
ClassF)V . . 

Book. 






THE 

Golden Treasury 



of TEXTS 



EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR. 




PUBLISHED BY 

THE CKRISTIAX HER^JLID, 

Louis Klopsch, Proprietor, 

BIBLE HOUSE, NEW YORK, 



:^S 



Copyright 1895, 
By Louis Klopsch. 






Press and Bindery of 
HISTORICAL PUBLISHING CO,, 

PHILADELPHIA. 






PREFACE. 



lOGATZKY'S GOLDEN TREASURY 
has been translated into nearly all 
European languages, and has obtained 
an enormous circulation in Germany 
and Great Britain. In this country 
very few books, except the " Pilgrim's Progress," 
have been so largely circulated or so widely read. 
It will surprise many to learn that more than a 
century and a half have elapsed since the first 
publication of this valued volume. 

Until the great day of account, it will not be 
known how many thousands have derived spiritual 
blessing from its well-known pages. For five or 
six generations the familiar ' ' Bogatzky ' ' has been 
in daily use in many a godly household at family 
worship ; in many a quiet chamber the little volume 
has been a treasured daily monitor ; from its pages 
hundreds of trembling believers have gathered 
strength and wisdom ; from its teachings many an 
enquiring soul has been led into life and light ; and 
from its consolations many a sorrowing mourner 
has drawn comfort in tribulation. 



12 PREFACE. 

The mission of the book is not yet over, 
hoped and believed that another generation will 
derive spiritual instruction from a volume which 
has been richly blest to the one now passing away, 
as well as to generations which have previously 
" crossed the flood." 

THE PUBLISHER. 



THE GOL DEN TR EASURY. 

January i. 

HOSANNA /—Mark xi. 9 ; Ps. cxviii. 25-29. 

A new scene of time now begins ; put up thy 
Hosanna, O my soul, that the Lord may save, bless 
and prosper thee. May He grant thee a "Happy 
New Year" indeed! For this purpose begin it 
with a dedication of thyself to God. Thy time, 
circumstances, and life, are in His hand" ; with 
faith and love implore His blessing and protection 
over thee this ensuing year. Begin this, and every 
following day with prayer. Let God have thy first 
thoughts in the morning ; the impression they 
make will not be easily erased by worldly matters. 
Grace is promised in the use of means ; be thou 
diligent then, and punctual in the performance of 
them ; let thy daily request be for an increasing 
knowledge of thyself, and of Jesus Christ in His 
offices ; for a sense of pardoning mercy ; for a lively, 
vigorous faith ; for communion with the Father 
and the Son through the Spirit ; for true holiness 
in heart and life ; for strength and protection 
against thy spiritual foes, and for persevering grace 
to hold out to the end. Pray for the prosperity of 
Zion : they prosper that love her. Oh, pray for thy 
friends and relations, begging the Almighty to take 
them into covenant relation to Himseif ; for a bless- 
ing on thy worldly affairs ; for a sanctified use of 
health or sickness, prosperity or adversity, as God 
shall please to send. Perhaps, O my soul, this may 
be the last year of the Lord's patience, and thy 
pilgrimage. Is thy state safe ? Art thou a real 
believer in Jesus ? Is the oil of grace in thy vessel ? 
If so thou art prepared for every emergency. 

And now. O soul, another Xow a new scene of time be- 

year gins. 

Of this world's life is past ; Set cut afresh for heaven ; 

I cannot long continue here, Seek pardon for thy daily sins, 

And this may be the last. In Christ so freely given. 



14 THE GOLDEN TREASURE. 

January 2. 

/ will ransom them from the power of the grave ; I 
will redeem them from death: O death, I will be 
thy plagues ; O grave, I will be thy destruction. 
— Hos. xiii. 14. Christ having spoiled princi- 
palities and powers, He made a show of them 
openly, triumphing over them in it, (His cross). 
— Col. ii. 15. The sting of death is sin ; and the 
stre?igth of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, 
who give th us the victory, through our Lord fesus 
Christ. — 1 Cor. xv. 56, 57. 

The world is afraid of a hidden poison where 
there is none. The real hidden poison is sin, which, 
the Lord grant me to fear, is everywhere ; for it has 
infected all things, and all places. But, O my dear 
Saviour, thou being my all-sufficient Preservative 
and Antidote in all places, oh ! dwell in me con- 
tinually, and, oh ! increase my faith, that I may 
know thee, and enjoy thee more and more ! Take 
away all slavish fears of death and hell from my 
soul, for thou hast conquered both for me. And, 
oh ! give me the heart that can live on thee by 
faith every moment, and that can trust thy grace 
for every blessing. Oh ! give me the heart that 
burns with love to thee, and that can raise its 
Hosanna in full assurance of the blessed inheri- 
tance beyond the grave. 

Hosanna to the Prince of light 
That clothed Himself in clay ; 

iCnter'd the iron gates of death, 
And tore the bars away, 

Death is no more the King of Dread, 

Since our Immanuel rose ; 
He took the tyrant's sting away, 

And spoil'd our hellish foes. 

Now holy triumphs of the soul 

Shall death itself outbrave, 
Leave dull mortality behind, 

And fly beyond the grave. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 15 

January 3. 

But now, O Lord, thou art my Father : we are 
the clay, arid thou our potter ; and we all are the 
work of thy hand. — Isa. Ixiv. 8 ; Dan. iv. 35. 

Being only clay in thy hands, O Lord, as I must 
not, so I would not, resist thy workings by any 
means ; and I pray and hope thou wilt prepare and 
perfect me for a meet vessel of grace, in spite of a 
thousand hindrances. Xo work of thine comes 
ever short of its intended perfection ; for who can 
stay thy hand ? It is thy own saying, ' ' I will work, 
and who shall let it?" (Isaiah xliii. 13.) 

An artist delights in his own workmanship, and 
would not leave one single flaw or defect in it 
designedly (Phil. i. 6). Oh, then look upon me 
too, thou wise Creator ! see how flesh and blood 
disorder my poor soul, and deliver me from all that 
may endanger my spiritual life ! Knowing thou 
canst do no less than a human artist, who is ever 
ready, and exerts his skill to mend and perfect his 
work, I trust that thou wilt not always suffer these 
impediments to hinder and disgrace thy work. Nay, 
such is thy wisdom and power, that out of darkness 
thou canst bring light ; out of sickness, health ; 
and though I am now destitute of strength and life, 
yet I believe thy work will be finished at last, and 
glorify the name of its maker (1 Pet. v. 10). 

Finish, Lord, thy new creation ! 

Pure, unspotted may we be ! 
I^et us see our whole salvation 

Perfectly secured by thee. 

Changed from glory into glory, 
Till in heaven we" take our place, 

Till we cast our crowns before thee, 
I/Dst in wonder, love, and praise I 



16 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 4. 

David's Prayer : — Oh that the salvation of Israel 
were come out of Zion ! When the Lord brings 
back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall 
rejoice and Israel shall be glad. — Ps. xvi. 7. 

Divine Answer : — If the Son make yon free, ye 
shall be free indeed. — John viii. 36. See also 
verses 31, 32. 

Not as if sin should be utterly destroyed, or en- 
tirely dead, and could not stir any more in the 
heart of believers ; for the Scripture speaks of 
them as having still their lusts and motions of sin 
(Gal. v. 17) ; but it imports only, that it has no 
power either to condemn, or to reign over us ; nay, 
it shall be weakened more and more (Rom. vi. 12, 
14) ; so that Christ reigns in the heart even where 
sin dwells, in the midst of His enemies (Shorter 
Catechism, Quest, xxvi.) ; and it is a dangerous 
error indeed, to believe that sin is destroyed in the 
root. If it were so, whence those frequent expres- 
sions and exhortations to crucify, withstand, and 
rule over it? (Gal. v. 24.) 

Now sits our Saviour on His throne, 

With pity in His eyes ; 
He hears the dying prisoners' groan, 

And listens to their sighs ! 

He frees the souls condemned to death ; 

And when His saints complain, 
No man shall say that praying breath 

Was ever spent in vain. 

This shall be known when we are dead, 

And left on long record, 
That ages yet unborn may read, 

And trust, and praise the I,ord ; 

Then let thy Spirit seal our souls, 

And mould them to thy will, 
That our weak hearts no more may stray 

But keep thy precepts still. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 17 

January 5. 

All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer 
persecution. — 2 Tim. iii. 12. The world hath 
hated them, because they are not of the world. — 
John xvii. 14. 

The children of God do not love and please the 
world, and are oftentimes greatly afflicted on ac- 
count of abounding wickedness, and particularly 
the profanation of the Lord's name. Now, when 
you can love the world, and the world can love 
you, there must be much worldliness in you ; for 
the world loves its own. 

Many pretend to be Christians, but they will not 
endure persecution. Instead of this, they blame 
others for too much rashness, and not acting pru- 
dently enough to avoid the mockings and hatred of 
the world. Therefore, they propose to take wiser 
measures ; and, in order to do more good, take 
great care not to be despised and rejected ; but 
under this pretence of wisdom and prudence, very 
often lie concealed a dangerous love of the world 
and fear of man. Be thou nobler minded, live as a 
Christian indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the 
Cross of Christ. "The disciple is not above his 
Master." Has eternal love, wisdom and power, 
endured the contradiction and reproach of sinners ? 
Thou shouldst be wiser than Him indeed if thou 
couldst escape the reproach and hatred of the world. 

May but His grace my soul renew. 
Let sinners gaze and hate me too ! 
The word that saves me does engage 
A sure defence from all their rage. 

God's furnace doth in Zion stand ; 

But Zion's God stands by. 
As the refiner views his gold 

With an observant eve. 



i8 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 6. 

All things are possible to him that believeth. — 
Mark ix. 23. 

Faith is the principal thing in the Christian 
religion. It is the spiritual eye, enlightening the 
mind, directing the feet, and cheering the heart. 
The whole turns upon it. As our faith is, so is our 
strength and fruitfulness in good works ; but, at 
the same time, there is nothing more out of our 
own power than to believe, even after the work of 
grace has been actually wrought in our hearts ; 
therefore nothing is more needful than to pray for 
faith as long as we live. May the Lord give and 
increase it continually ! Nothing can be stronger 
in the universe than the hand of Faith. By this 
we lay sure hold on our most glorious and Almighty 
Lord in heaven ; and such an inviolable union is 
established between Christ and a believing soul, 
that none can separate the one from the other. All 
the powers of hell and sin avail nothing against it ! 
Faith breaks through the greatest obstacles, re- 
moves mountains of difficulties, and has, as it were, 
a kind of omnipotence in it ; ' ( for this is the victory 
that overcomes the world, even our faith " (1 John 
v. 4). Nay, it even wrestles with God and prevails 
(Gen. xxxii. 28). As straw cannot withstand the 
force of fire, so God, being a wall of fire around His 
people, the greatest power of our mighty enemies 
shall be consumed like the stubble. Oh ! then, look 
upon Him steadfastly, my soul, and believe in Him 
with a simple heart. Wondrous are His ways with 
His people, and past finding out ; but, at last, all 
their sorrows and strife must come to a triumphant 
end. 

Oh ! let us go from strength to strength, 
From grace to greater grace ! 

From one degree of faith to more, 
Till we behold thy face ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 19 

January 7. 

Christ is all, and in all. — Col. iii. 11 ; Eph. i. 23 ; 
Eph. iv. 9, 10. 

Au, mankind are Christ's creatures. All condi- 
tions are disposed and regulated by His providence. 
He alone is the source whence all have proceeded, 
and to Him alone all must return. For a believer 
to receive and know Christ as his All, is the only 
means to live truly a life of faith ; and when he has 
done this, it will not be hard to resign all other 
things. To talk much of Christ, and make frequent 
use of His name one to another, is commendable, if 
the heart goes along with the words ; but to call 
upon God the Father with a filial confidence, is also 
our duty, and does not contradict the apostle's 
meaning at all ; for it is only through Christ we can 
do it ; and, as He says himself, the Father and He 
are one. Thou art my All, O gracious Lord ! — what 
then can I want ? I desire no more than to be 
put always in mind of this by the animating voice 
of thy Spirit. 

Let sinners boast of kindred joys, 

The poor delights of sense ; 
'Tis Christ our inmost thought employs, 

We draw our comforts thence. 
With sweet contentment now we bid 

Farewell to pleasures here. 
With Christ in God our life is hid, 

And all its springs are there. 
'Tis now concealed and lodged secure 

In God's eternal Son. 
From age to age shall it endure, 

Though to the world unknown. 
Jesus, remove whate'er divides 

Our lingering souls from thee. 
'Tis fit that where the head resides 

The members too should be. 



20 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 8. 

They, being ignorant of God's righteousness \ and 
going about to establish their own righteousness, 
have not submitted themselves unto the righteous- 
ness of God. Whosoever believeth on Him shall 
not be ashamed. — Rom. x. 3, 11. 
r The same mistake which proved so fatal to the 
Jews, proves equally fatal to many who pretend to 
call themselves Christians. Ignorant alike of the 
Divine character and their own, they build their 
hope of the favor of God and eternal life upon 
some works of righteousness which they have done, 
or intend to do, and reject the righteousness of 
Christ, in which alone they can be justified and 
accepted ; forgetting this great doctrine of the 
Gospel, that salvation is " not by works of righ- 
teousness which we have done, but according to His 
mercy He saved us ; by the washing of regenera- 
tion, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost " (Titus 
iii. 5). In this mistake the decent and the profane 
are equally involved ; for the worst of mankind 
fancy themselves possessed of some virtues and 
good qualities that will entitle them to the Divine 
favor. The delusion remains till the light of the 
Holy Ghost darts in, like a sunbeam, upon the 
mind, and discovers the guilt and pollution that 
defile the best of us. We then abhor ourselves, and 
look to the free grace of God in Christ Jesus for 
pardon and salvation. We have a hope that maketh 
not ashamed ! 

Jesus ! thy blood and righteousness 
My beauty are, niy glorious dress. 
'Midst flaming worlds, in these arra}-'d, 
With joy shall I lift up my head. 

Bold shall I stand in the great da}* ; 
For who aught to my charge shall lay ? 
Full\ T through these absolved I am. 
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 21 

January 9. 

I cried with my whole heart ; hear me, O Lord : I 
will keep thy statutes. Great peace have they 
who love thy law ; and nothing shall offeiid them. 
I have kept thy precepts a?id thy testimonies ; 

for all my ways are before thee. I have gone 
astray like a lost sheep : seek thy servant ; for I 
do not forget thy commandments. — Ps. cxix. 145, 
165, 168, 176. The Lord shall preserve thee 

from all evil; He shall preserve thy soul. — Ps. 
cxxi. 7. 

The word of God should be ever connected with 
prayer ; for why is it that many hear and read 
without being the better? They do not pray in 
faith for a blessing. We must, like David, pray 
with the utmost fervor, that we may understand 
and retain the word of God, and bring forth fruit ; 
for a Christian has nothing so much at heart as that 
he may always act up to the word and will of God ; 
his prayer is, Lord, let my footsteps be sure, accord- 
ing to thy word ; and let nothing contrary to thy 
law have dominion over me, either in my doctrine 
or practice ! If this prayer be granted, great will 
be our peace, Jesus Himself will be our peace, and 
then nothing shall offend us ; we shall take heed 
unto all our ways before God, and so walk before 
Him as to continue humble, like David, who con- 
sidered himself as a straying and lost sheep. Lord, 
we are by nature straying and lost sheep ; seek and 
fetch us back from the error of our ways, and pre- 
serve us in thy pasture ! Then shall we, with a 
heart full of gratitude, shew forth the praises of thy 
glorious name. 

My soul has gone too far astray, 

My feet too often slip ; 
Yet since I've not forgot thy way, 

Restore thy wandering sheep. 



22 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January io. 

I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord. — 
Gen. xlix. 18. 

Many have received comfort from these words 
in death and waited in faith for their salvation. 
The thoughtless and impenitent wait only for 
temporal prosperity in their lives, and therefore 
cannot expect eternal bliss ; but, on the contrary, 
a dreadful judgment after death. Oh ! that they 
would enter into themselves this very day, that, 
at the eve of life, they might, like Jacob and 
Simeon, depart in peace. We will not, therefore, 
look for any earthly things, but for the Saviour, 
who is already come, who will grant us His salva- 
tion, His aid and deliverance in life and death, and 
will conduct us safely at last, though we should 
wait some time for His help. Yes, my Redeemer, 
they who wait, depend upon, and hope in thee, 
shall not be ashamed. Grant us only faith and 
patience, that we may wait on thee from one 
morning-watch to another ; and enduring all things, 
make the w T hole course of our lives one perpetual 
expectation of thy aid ; and may w T e ever abund- 
antly experience thy help and salvation, especially 
at our latter end. 

Christ's own soft hand shall wipe the tears 

From every weeping- eye ; 
And pains and groans, and griefs and fears, 

And death itself shall die. 

How long, dear Saviour, oh \ how long, 

Shall this bright hour delay? 
Fly swiftly round, ye wheels'of Time, 

And bring the welcome day. 

Oh ! I could break this carnal fence, 

Drop all my sorrows in the tomb, 
On angel-wings remove from thence, 

And fly this happy moment home ; 
Quit the dark house of mouldering clay, 
And launch into eternal day. 



THK GOLDBN TREASURY. 23 

January it. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. For 
. God sent not His Son into the world, to condemn 
the world; but that the world through Him might 
be saved. He that believeth on Him is not con- 
demned. — John iii. 16-18. 

Oh ! that these truly precious words were ever 
warmly impressed on our hearts ! that they were 
our last thoughts at night, and the first at our 
waking in the morning ; and that they were im- 
proved in such a manner, as to make our dying 
bed easy in the evening of our life, and to ensure 
our rising with gladness in the morning of the 
resurrection ! And what more blessed and delight- 
ful meditations can I daily dwell upon than to 
think thus : — God has loved me, even me, when I 
was His enemy ; and so loved me that He gave me 
His only Son ! Bless me with faith in Christ, then 
Christ is mine, and all things are mine (1 Cor. iii. 
21) ; for "He that spared not His own Son, but 
delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with 
Him also freely give us all things ?" (Rom. viii. 32.) 
He will never suffer a believing soul to perish ; He 
has passed His word for it. It is He that says, ' ' I 
shall not perish ; I shall not be condemned ;" but 
have everlasting life if I believe. This will I build 
and depend upon to my last moments, as upon an 
immovable rock. Amen and Amen. 

Oh ! for this love let earth and skies 

With hallelujahs ring ! 
And the full choir of human tongues 

All hallelujahs sing ! 

"To Him who sits upon the throne, 

The God whom we adore, 
And to the I^amo that once was slain, 

Be glory evermore." 



24 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 12. 
In Christ we have redemption through His blood, 
even the forgiveness of sins. — Col. i. 14. Hav- 
ing forgiven you all trepasses ; blotting out 
the hand-writing of ordinances that was against 
us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of 
the way, nailing it to His Cross. — Col. ii. 13, 14. 
Thereford said He, It is finished. — John xix. 30. 

Hast thou, O my soul, felt the weight of thy own 
guilt and misery, and been enabled, in reality and 
truth, to lay hold by faith of the blood of Christ 
for thy redemption, and faithfully to devote thyself 
to Him in heart and life ? Then hast thou a sure 
foundation to go upon. Let it be thy constant care 
firmly to depend upon these, and such like blessed 
declarations ; look to Jesus for every blessing thou 
standest in need of. Has Christ brought life and 
immortality to light ? — then look unto Him and 
live. Is there redemption through His blood, even 
the forgiveness of sins ? — then throw all thy guilt 
upon His atonement.. Has He blotted out the 
hand-writing of ordinances that was against thee ? 
— then shake off self-righteous dependencies and 
legal fears also. Did He die for thy sins? — then 
let His goodness and love lead thee to unfeigned 
repentance ; let the sense of thy sins break thine 
heart, but encourage thy hope in the Gospel. 

'Tis finished— was His latest voice ; 

These sacred accents o'er. 
He bow'd His head, gave up the ghost, 

And suffered pain no more. 

'Tis finished — the Messiah dies 

For sins, but not His own ; 
The great redemption is complete, 

And Satan's power o'erthrown. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 25 

January 13. 

David's Prayer : — Keep me as the apple of the 
eve ; hide me under the shadow of thy wings. — 
Ps. xvii. 8. 

Divine Answer: — He shall cover thee with His feath- 
ers, and under His zvings shall thou trust : His 
truth shall be thy shield and buckler. — Ps. xci. 4. 

There is none, O Lord, that has more need con- 
tinually to keep close to thee in prayer and faith ; 
and at the same time none is more unable to do 
it than I, the least of all thy flock ! Oh ! that thou 
wouldst be graciously pleased to incline and enable 
me to this blessed work ! and grant that thy good 
Spirit, according to His own pleasure, may never 
suffer me to be faint and backward in the same ; 
Whilst I truly rest my faith under the wings of thy 
grace, I am sure of defence, power and comfort ; 
but as soon as I wander from thee, I am in danger 
of losing the comfortable sense of these privileges, 
and falling into various errors and perplexities. 
Guide me, O Lord, by thy counsel in this world, 
and at last receive me into glory ! Amen (Ps. 
lxxiii. 24). 

He that has made his refuge God 
Shall find a most secure abode ; 
Shall walk all day beneath His shade, 
And there at night shall rest his head. 

Just as a hen protects her brood 

From birds of prey that seek their blood, 

Under her feathers, so the Lord 

Makes His own arm His people's guard. 

Thrice happy man ! thy Maker's care 
Shall keep thee from the fowler's snare ; 
Satan, the fowler, who betrays 
Unguarded souls a thousand 'ways. 

What though a thousand at thy side, 
At thy right hand a thousand died ; 
Thy God His chosen people saves 
Amongst the dead, amidst the graves. 



26 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 14. 

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, 
Repent ; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 
— Matt. iv. 17; iii. 2. Rend your heart, and not 
your garments, and turn unto the Lord your 
God. — Joel ii. 13. 

The kingdom of heaven appertains to those who 
repent ; and the first mark of repentance is poverty 
of spirit ; whence Jesus saith (Matt. v. 3), " Blessed 
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven." John preached repentance; Jesus 
preaches it here, and so did His apostles afterward. 
This true repentance is necessary for all ; and the 
beginning of it is to acknowledge ourselves poor 
miserable sinners, depraved by nature, and. totally 
void of any righteousness or worth of our own —to 
confess our nakedness — to drop all the fig-leaves of 
vain excuses and false comforts — to la}^ open our 
poverty and wants before God — to accuse ourselves, 
and plead guilty of all our sins, but seek mercy 
from Christ. If we do this we are blessed, and the 
kingdom of heaven is ours. This poverty of spirit 
is both the first and last foundation laid in the 
heart ; for the faithful are more and more grounded 
in poverty of spirit the nearer they approach to 
their consummation. "I dwell, saith He whose 
name is holy, with him who is of a contrite and 
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, 
and the heart of the contrite ones " (Isa. lvii. 15). 

Pure are the joys above the sky, 

And all the region peace ; 
No wanton lips, nor envious eye, 

Can see or taste the bliss. 

These holy gates forever bar 

Pollution, sin, and shame ; 
None shall obtain admittance there 

But followers of the I^amb. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 27 

January 15. 
Pray without ceasing : — 1 Thess. v. 17. Men ought 
always to pray, and not tofai?it. — Luke xviii. r. 
Continuing instant in prayer. — Roni. xii. 12. 

If we have not got grace enough, it is because 
we do not pray enough ; for most true it is, we 
need not strive to move God to compassion, and 
extort, as it were, the blessings from Him by our 
prayers, which He has promised. Very far from it. 
He is every minute communicating himself to us ; 
in every word He holds forth Christ and every good 
thing to us ; but we must always have a soul hun- 
gering after Christ, and by incessant prayer stretch 
out the hand of Faith to receive Him. This is 
chiefly to be understood of the inward desires and 
groanings of our spirit ; but we must not omit to 
pour out our supplications daily, as often as we can, 
by words, else our secret mental prayers at last may 
become so secret, as to cease perhaps entirely. We 
must always remember that we are dependent on 
God for every good ; without Him we can do noth- 
ing. Let us feel that dependence at all times, and 
we shall always be in the spirit of prayer. Nor let 
us cease praying till we have received a full answer 
to our prayers. " Ye people, pour out your heart 
before Him : God is a refuge for us " (Ps. 
lxii. 8). 

Holy Father, lend an ear 
Whilst I sue in Jesu's name ; 

Surely thou wilt kindty bear, 
Since I bring no human claim ; 

I^et me for adoption stay, 

Only give me power to pra}\ 

Grant me comfort or deny ; 

Visit, or from me depart, 
Only let thy Spirit crj- 

Abba, Fa'ther, in ray heart \ 
Abba, Father, would I say, 
Only give me power to pray. 



28 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 16. 

Abide in me. — John xv. 4. Lord, to whom shall 
we go ? thou hast the words of eternal life. 
— John vi. 68. It is good for me to draw near 
to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God. 
— Ps. lxxiii. 28. 

To abide in Christ, who is onr righteousness and 
strength, and not to be moved from Him, is the 
very life and power of Christianity. We do this 
when our thoughts are going out after Him, our 
hearts cleaving to Him, and our minds stayed upon 
Him. Now, to know Christ, and thus to abide in 
Him, as our righteousness, brings peace and joy ; 
which joy in the Lord is certainly followed with 
strength to overcome sin and the world, which 
believers renounce the more readily, as they have 
found something better in Christ. May the Lord 
give me grace likewise immovably to abide in 
Him ! May He strengthen me with might in the 
inner man, even with the might of the Holy Spirit, 
that I may not only abide in Christ, but may abide 
with Him for evermore in the New Jerusalem which 
is above. 

Christ is my light, my life, my care, 

My blessed hope, my heav'nly prize 
Deafer than all my passions are, 

My limbs, my bowels, or my eyes. 

The strings that twine about my heart, 
Tortures and racks may tear them off; 

But they can never, never part 

With their dear hold of Christ my love. 

My God, and can a humble child, 

That loves thee with a flame so high, 

Be ever from thy face exil'd, 
Without the pity of thine eye ? 

Impossible ! for thine own hands 

Have tied mx heart so fast to thee, 
And in thy book thy promise stands, 

That where thou art thy friends must be. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 29 

January 17. 

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, 
being made a curse for us ; for it is written, 
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree ; that 
the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gen- 
tiles through fesus Christ, that we might receive 
the promise of the Spirit through faith. — Gal. iii. 

The spirit of sanctification is the gift of Christ. 
* ' Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the 
Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto 
obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ " 
(1 Peter i. 2). Consequently there is a great differ- 
ence between moral actions done by our own 
strength, and true sanctification of the spirit. The 
latter cannot take place before the soul truly re- 
ceives Christ, and abides in Him as its only propiti- 
ation, righteousness and peace ; for He being first 
made to us of God our righteousness, will then be 
made our sanctification likewise (1 Cor. i. 30) ; and 
the kingdom, work, and image of God, will go on 
best when we trust least to our own strength. 
Sanctification is now become a more easy task, 
since Christ lives and works in us, and we, in a 
child-like temper, live henceforth to Him who died 
for us. Let me always be as a little child — as a 
new-born babe, with a heart hungry for the sweet 
milk of the Word of God, without malice, without 
guile, without hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil 
speakings (1 Pet. ii. 1, 2). 

The law commands and makes us know 
What duties to our God we owe ; 
But 'tis the Gospel must reveal 
Where lies the strength to do His will. 

The law discovers guilt and sin, 

And shows how vile our hearts have been ; 

Only the Gospel can express 

Forgiving love and cleansing grace. 



30 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January iS. 

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to 
every one that believeth. — Rom. x. 4. See Rom. 
viii. 1-17. 

Where the law ends Christ begins. The law 
ends with representative sacrifices. Christ begins 
with the real offering. The law is our school- 
master to lead us unto Christ. It cannot save us ; 
but it leaves us at His door, where alone salvation 
is to be found (Gal. iii. 24). The law calls for a 
perfect righteousness, which, in ourselves, never 
will be found ; but all its demands were fulfilled 
by our surety. Every true believer finds that 
righteousness in Christ which he stands in need of, 
and is enabled, through the Spirit, to rest upon it 
for sane tin cation. He faithfully endeavors to obev 
the law, as the great rule of his duty both to Gocl 
and man ; yet is so sensible of his own manifold 
defects, that he would utterly despair if he could 
not look up unto Jesus, and say, "Thou shalt 
answer for me, O Lord, my God !" 

Lord, when my thoughts with wonder roll 
O'er the sharp sorrows of thy soul, 
And read my Maker's broken laws, 
Repair'd and honored by thy cross ; 

When I behold death, hell, and sin, 
Vanquish'd by that dear blood of thine, 
And see the Man that groaned and died 
Sit glorious by His Father's side, 

My passions rise and soar above ; 
I'm wing'd with faith and fir'd with love. 
Fain would I reach eternal things, 
And learn the notes that Gabriel sings. 

But my heart fails, my tongue complains, 
For want of their immortal strains ; 
And in such humble notes as these 
Must fall below thy victories. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 31 

January 19. 

But the dove found no rest for the sole of herfoot r 
arid she returned unto Noah into the ark. The?i 
he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled 
her in unto him into the ark. — Gen. viii. 9. 

That dove-like spirit communicated to the soul 
in regeneration, can find no rest for the sole of its 
foot until it bring us to Jesus, who is the great ark 
of the covenant. Many, on their first awakening 
from sin, apply themselves to very hard w T orks and 
rigorous duties, thereby expecting to find rest for 
their wounded consciences. But though the right 
and diligent use of all the means of grace is abso- 
lutely required, yet great care must be taken not to 
quiet ourselves by that only. We should not place 
any confidence at all in our own doings, but only 
look for rest through the blood of Christ. To be 
found in Him justified and accepted would soon fill 
our hearts with peace, nay, encourage and enable 
us to do good works, and in the doing of good, we 
must always cherish a meek and grateful spirit,, 
knowing that all is of the infinite grace of God. 

In vaiii the trembling conscience seeks 

Some solid ground for rest ; 
With long despair the spirit breaks, 

Till we apply to Christ. 

Just as we see the lonesome dove 

Bemoan her widowed state, 
Wand'ring she flies thro' all the grove, 

And mourns her loving mate ; — 

Just so our thoughts from thing to thing 

In restless circles rove ; 
Just so we droop and hang the wing, 

When Jesus hides His love ! 

While Jesus shines with quickening grace^ 

We sing and mount on high ; 
But if a frown becloud His face, 

We faint, and tire, and die ! 



32 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 20. 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disci- 
ples, if ye have love one to another. — John xiii. 
35. Forbearing one anothe rin love ; endeavor- 
ing to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace. Let not the sun go down upon your 
wrath; but be ki?id one to another, tender-hearted, 
forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's 
sake, hath forgiven you. — Eph. iv. 2, 3, 26, 32. 

Every member of the mystical body of Christ 
should labor for the comfort and edification of the 
whole, and the honor of the Head. He that would 
live a quiet life and keep the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace, must be as backward to take 
offence as to give it. He must live in love, and full 
of love. Humble Christians never affect singular- 
ity, nor pretend to have the preference one of 
another. They rather study to be of one mind, and 
strive not about words, lest the general harmony 
subsisting between them and the edification of 
souls shall be hindered. Whoever judges and 
blames everything, and can never agree in words 
and notions, or join in devotion with other expe- 
rienced Christians, is puffed up with self-conceit, 
and is in the way to make a dangerous shipwreck ; 
for ' * pride comes before a fall. ' ' 

Nor diff'rent food, nor diff 'rent dress, 
Compose the kingdom of our Lord ; 

But peace, and joy, and righteousness, 
Faith, and obedience to His Word. 

When weaker Christians we despise 

We do the Gospel mighty wrong ; 
For God, the gracious and the wise, 

Receives the feeble with the strong. 

I,et pride and wrath be banished hence, 
Meekness and love our souls pursue ; 

Nor shall our practice give offence 
To saints, the Gentile, or the Jew. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 33, 

January 21. 

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered 
and slept.— -Matt, xxv. 5. 

Oh ! that I may be roused out of my slumber, and 
be watchful and ready against the coming of my 
Bridegroom ! How many are there that set out in 
good earnest in their way to heaven, and run well 
for some time, but at last are lulled to rest, and are 
entangled again with a false notion of liberty ! 
Even the wise virgins fell asleep. Let this be a 
warning to me, O Lord ! Set thou a guard before 
my eyes, ears, and other faculties, lest the world 
should again enter through these avenues of the 
heart. If the spark be not speedily extinguished, 
it will soon break out into a flame. Thus sin is of 
a progressive nature, and its venom spreads very 
quickly and very wide, unless it be stopped and 
opposed in time. Watch, therefore, over this un- 
steady heart of mine, O thou keeper of Israel, that 
as soon as it begins to wander from thee, I may be 
alarmed to flee from sin as from a serpent. Give 
me grace to look upon every hour as my last, so 
that, being ever wisely upon my guard, I may meet 
thee with joy when my time is run out, whenever 
it shall please thee to call me hence. And let my 
going out and my coming in be guided by thy 
Spirit, so that everv day may bring me nearer to- 
thyself. 

The fearful soul that tires and faints, 
And walks the ways of God no more. 

Though number" d once among the saints, 
2s ow makes his own destruction sure. 

Lord, let not all my hopes be vain ; 

Create my heart entirely new ; 
Which Irypocrites could ne'er attain, 

Which false apostates never knew. 



34 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 22. 

Bui while men slept, his enemy came and sowed 
tares among the wheat. — Matt. xiii. 25. 

No wonder that Christians lose their power and 
strength, if the enemy of souls find them asleep. 
How soon may he gain an advantage from without, 
if a strict guard is not kept within ! Though Satan 
seems to sleep sometimes, and we should, by all 
appearance, be in no great danger, it is only his 
stratagem to make us careless. He never fails to 
be vigilant, and watch his opportunity, that he may 
offer us battle with advantage ; and who knows but 
he may gain the victory by those very sins to which, 
perhaps, we, for many years, had hardly any temp- 
tation. Oh ! how cunningly does he work ! how 
enticing is the world ! even in lawful things, ver}^ 
often the most dangerous snares lie hidden. A 
single word that we hear may be able to disturb 
our peace. One unguarded look is sometimes 
enough to infatuate our hearts. There is danger 
on all sides. Unless the Lord open our eyes, and 
preserve us on all occasions, each of us, even the 
best, may still be overcome and deadly hurt by sin 
and the world. Satan is particularly busy to sift 
the godly most of all ; and having catched them in 
his net, triumphs exceedingly over them. O Lord, 
suffer me never to fall asleep again ! 

Help me to watch and pray, 

And on thj^self rety ! 
And let me ne'er my trust betray, 

Lest I forever die ! 

Quick as the apple of an eye, 

O God, my conscience make 
Awake my soul when sin is nigh, 

And keep it still awake. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 35 

January 23. 

The more they afflicted them, the more they mul- 
tiplied and greiv. And the children of Israel 
sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried ; 
and their cry came up to God, by reason of the 
bondage. ' And God looked upon the children of 
Israel, and God had respect unto them. — Exod. 
i. 12, and ii. 23, 25. 

The more we are oppressed by our spiritual and 
temporal enemies, the more will the kingdom of 
God increase in and through us. And when dis- 
tress and dangers oppress us most, God hastens to 
our aid, and makes our necessity itself the means 
of our relief ; for the ways of God are always won- 
derful. It was in extreme distress when the chil- 
dren of the Israelites were cast into the river ; but 
this was the means of preserving Moses, their 
intended deliverer. When Moses came, they were 
not relieved immediately, for their calamities in- 
creased. This is God's method. But they cried 
the more to God, and He relieved them by signs 
and wonders. After this, their distress was greater 
than ever at the Red Sea ; for after God has shown 
His glory in assisting us, He can still send greater 
trials. But when they were beset on all sides by 
distress and death, then came the most glorious 
succor of all, and their enemies perished in the Red 
Sea. Lord, sufier us not to despair in any ex- 
tremity ; but enable us to believe and experience, 
that the greater our distress, the nearer and more 
glorious will be thy aid, and all our enemies will 
be consumed as stubble before the devouring flame. 

What sinners value I resign ; 

Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine. 

I shall behold thy blissful face, 

And stand complete in righteousness. 



36 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 24. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He 
loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation 
for our sins: We love Him, because He first 
loved us. — 1 John iv. 10, 19. He that loveth me 
shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, 
and will manifest myself to him. We will 
come unto him, and make our abode with him. 
— John xiv. 2i, 23. 

Oh ! what a glorious promise ! what manner of 
love is this ! Lord, I would not change my cross 
and sufferings, much less my love, for the love and 
honors of the w r orld. Only make it more known 
to me how great thy love is, and how much thou 
hast forgiven me, that I may love thee much again, 
and be thereby still better purged from the inordi- 
nate love of temporal things. It is my earnest 
desire that the gates of my heart should be opened 
to none but thee, that thou alone mayest dwell in 
me. Shed thy love abroad in my heart, quicken 
and renew all the faculties of my mind and body, 
and work everything in and for me, that thy love 
may be my life, and the keeping of thy law my 
joy! 

IvOve Divine, all love excelling ; 

Joy of heaven to earth come down ; 
Fix in us thy humble dwelling. 

All thy faithful mercies crown. 

Oh ! for this love let rocks and hills 

Their lasting silence break, 
And all harmonious human tongues, 

The Saviour's praises speak ! 

Breathe, oh ! breathe thy loving Spirit 

Into every troubled breast ; 
I,et us all in thee inherit, 

I^et us find thy promised rest. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 37 

January 25. 

Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or 
absent, we may be accepted of Him. — 2 Cor. v. 9. 

This indeed is the true disposition of a soul 
espoused to Christ. She has but one care, which is 
to please Him in all things. And this desire to do 
His will is, as it were, the ring and seal of her 
Bridegroom ; which she may look upon, even in 
the absence of all spiritual joy, as a token for good 
that she is His spouse. Ought not then, this day, 

my soul, to be a new wedding day with Christ ? 
He is desirous that thou shouldst be betrothed unto 
Him even now, and waits only for thy consent. 
Hearken, O daughter ! consider, and incline thine 
ear ; be no longer married to the world. Forget 
thine own people and thy father's house, and take 
Him alone for thy husband ; so shall the King 
greatly desire thy beauty. Wilt thou give the 
refusal to this glorious and loving Saviour ? I hope 
not. Give it rather to the world, and resolutely 
say, I have done with thee, O poor world ! I break 
the bonds of my former love ; my eyes and feet 
shall henceforth only be directed to the blessed and 
eternal city of the new Jerusalem, where my 
heavenly Bridegroom resides. And, oh ! what need 

1 have to be duly prepared, dressed, and beautified 
against His coming, and the time of His taking me 
home to Himself ! Lord Jesus, keep me longing 
for thine appearance — for the happy day when I 
shall go with thee to glory. 

If Christ is ours, we may despise 
All rage, though hell against us rise 
His love experienced will impart 
Immortal transport to th}' heart ! 



38 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 26, 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy \ and find grace to help 
in time of need. — Heb. iv. 16. 

Oh ! that we were all so wise as to prepare and 
provide ourselves in due time with the right armor 
of faith, before the time of need, and hour of death 
approach. Come, my reader, let us begin now, 
and go directly to the gate of mercy, lest we should 
come too late and be undone. Behold the encour- 
agement of Christ: — "I am the door," says He, 
"and the way" (John x. 9 ; chap. xiv. 6). Now, 
by this door you may find the entrance into the 
heart and favor of God, Christ himself sitting on a 
mercy seat to receive and welcome the vilest of 
sinners. And there is no drawing near to God but 
through Him, and clothed in the righteousness of 
our only Redeemer, Mediator, and Advocate. He 
is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end ; 
nay, the very all in all to believers. With Christ 
they can never part ; and He can never part with 
them (Col. iii. 10, 11). 

Of Him who did salvation bring, 
I could forever think and sing ! 
Arise, 3^e guilty, He'll forgive ! 
Arise, ye poor, He will relieve ! 

Ask but His grace, and, lo ! 'tis giv'n ; 
Ask, and He turns your hell to heav'n ; 
Though sin and sorrow wound my soul, 
Jesus, thy balm can make it whole ! 

Guide thou, O T v ord, guide thou my course, 
And draw me on with thy sweet force ; 
Still make me walk, still make me tend, 
By thee, my way, to God my end. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 39 

January 27. 

God commendeth His love toward us, in that while 
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much 
more then, being now justified by His blood, we 
shall be saved from wrath through Him : for if, 
when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God 
by the death of His Son ; much more, being 
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. — Rom. 
v. 8-10. 

Here we have much more reason to cry out than 
Moses had (Deut. xxxiii. 3), "The Lord loved 
the people ;" but here I must beseech thee too, O 
Lord, that the infinite gift of thy Son may appear 
to me greater and greater every day ; and that thy 
love, shining out in His redemption, may go on so 
to increase in my soul, as to disperse all clouds of 
darkness, unbelief, and hard thoughts of thy good- 
ness. Whenever this slanderous spirit tries to lift 
up his head, grant that my faith and love may be 
quickened and strengthened in such a manner as 
heartily to praise thy great love in spite of all his 
suggestions ; this is the chief desire which I offer 
unto thee in all my prayers, night and day. The 
want of faith and love, I am sensible, is still my 
greatest want ; my soul is like a large empty vessel, 
but I pray thee to fill it speedily, notwithstanding 
any opposition that may be made by my unrenewed 
part. 

Come, guilty souls, and flee away, 

Like dove to Jesu's wounds ; 
This is the welcome gospel-day, 

Wherein free grace abounds. 

God loved the world, and gave His Son 

To drink the cup of wrath ; 
And Jesus sa3^s, He'll cast out none 

That come to Him by faith. 



4o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 28. 

For even hereunto were ye called ; because Christ 
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that 
ye should follow His steps. — 1 Pet. ii. 21. 

To believe in Christ for justification, is but one- 
half of the duty of faith ; it respects Christ only 
as He died and suffered for us, as He made atone- 
ment for our sins, peace with God, and reconcilia- 
tion for us, and as our righteousness; unto these 
ends He is, indeed, primarily and principally pro- 
posed unto us in the Gospel ; and with respect 
unto them, we are exhorted to receive Him, and 
to believe in Him ; but this is not all that is re- 
quired of us ; Christ in the Gospel is proposed unto 
us as our pattern and example of holiness ; and as 
it is a cursed imagination, that the whole end of 
His life and death was to exemplify and confirm 
the doctrine of holiness, which He preached, so to 
neglect His being our example in considering Him 
by faith unto that end, and laboring after confor- 
mity to Him, is evil and pernicious ; wherefore, let 
us be much in contemplation of what He was, what 
He did, how in all instances of duties and trials He 
carried himself, until a glorious image of His per- 
fect holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are 
made like unto Him thereby. And let us always 
bear in mind, that ye were called to a state of suf- 
fering when ye were called to be Christians, for the 
world cannot endure the yoke of Christ. 

Oh ! let me walk with Christ below, 

His holy footsteps trace, 
And daily taking up His cross, 

Be nourish'd Iry His grace. 

So shall vzy walk be close with God, 

Calm anal serene my frame ; 
So purer light shall mark the road 

That leads me to the Iyamb. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 41 

January 29. 

The Gospel is made known to all nations for the 
obedience of faith. — Rom. xvi. 26. 

The obedience of faith here spoken of, is the 
same thing as believing the report of the Gospel 
(Rom. x. 16). A hearty submission to the righ- 
teousness of God, even to Christ, who is the end of 
the law for righteousness to every one who believe th, 
— this is the obedience of faith, strictly speaking, 
by which we give glory to God, take full shame to 
ourselves, renounce all that nature is proud of, and 
are brought to rest, for our justification and accept- 
ance with God, on that alone which has satisfied 
His law and justice. However slightly we may be 
disposed to pass over this, it is a high point of 
obedience, not easily brought about in such a crea- 
ture as man, and needing an effectual light and 
energy from above. It is taught purely from above ; 
and he who would learn it, must seek it by much 
prayer continually ; for in vain shall we strive to 
obey God in other things, until we learn to obey 
Him in this. Careless reader, see to it that you 
learn your need of Christ. Awakened and dis- 
tressed sinner ! seek not to heal yourself by forced 
obedience ; learn the obedience of faith, that you 
may be purged in your conscience from dead works 
to serve God. Self-despairing sinner ! obey the 
gospel-call of God to your soul, and live. Believer ! 
let your fruit be to holiness. 

Within us, Lord, thy Spirit place, 
Conveying health, and peace, and pow'r ; 

And let us daily grow in grace. 

That we may love and serve thee more. 

Oh ! may thy Spirit seal our souls, 

And mould them to thy will. 
That our weak hearts no more may stray, 

But keep thy precepts still. 



42 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

January 30. 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. — Matt. xi. 28. 

This is a free invitation to every weary and 
heavy-laden sinner, made by Him who alone is 
able to take away the load and guilt of sin. Every 
person under the pressure of sin, not only may, 
but must come to Jesus, thus laden with guilt, if he 
hopes to succeed for pardon ! While we endeavor 
to prepare our way for our holy qualifications, we 
rather fill it with stumbling-blocks, whereby our 
souls are hindered from attaining to the salvation 
of Christ ! Christ would have us to believe on 
Him, who justifies the ungodly, and therefore He 
doth not require us to be godly before we believe : 
He came as a physician for the sick, and doth not 
expect they should recover their health in the least 
degree before they come to Him. The vilest sin- 
ners are fitly prepared and qualified for this design, 
which is to shew forth the exceeding riches of His 
grace, pardoning of our sins, and saving us freely 
(Eph. ii. 5, 9). It is no affront to Christ, or slight- 
ing or contemning the justice and holiness of God, 
to come to God while we are polluted sinners ; but 
rather it is an affronting and contemning the saving 
grace, merit, and fulness of Jesus, if we endeavor 
to make ourselves righteous and holy before we 
receive Christ Himself, and all holiness and righ- 
teousness in Him by faith. 

How long the time since Christ began 

To call in vain on me ! 
Deaf to His warning voice I ran 

Through paths of vanity. 

But could I hear Him once again, 

As I have heard of old, 
Methinks He should not call in vain 

His wanderer to the fold. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 43 

January 31. 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man 
seeking goodly pearls ; who, when he had found 
one pearl of great price, went and sold all that 
he had, and bought it. — Matt. xiii. 45, 46. 

Blessed are they to whom the Gospel has made 
known the unsearchable riches of Christ ! He is 
that one pearl of great price, in comparison of 
whom all other goodly things that men desire are 
worthless. Without Him we are poor and miser- 
able, though we abound in all manner of worldly 
store ; but if we have found Him, and discovered 
the excellency of His name, we are in possession of 
a treasure that makes us rich indeed, and have 
reason to be content with our portion, though 
stripped of every earthly comfort ; for the Father 
gives grace and glory, even eternal life, in His Son 
Jesus Christ ; and he that hath the Son of God hath 
life. O my soul ! thou, like the merchantman, 
hast been seeking goodly pearls, and eagerly look- 
ing here and there for happiness all thy days ! Hast 
thou at length been enlightened to perceive where 
true joys are to be found? Then wilt thou be will- 
ing to sell all in order to win Christ, and be found, 
in Him : if there is anything that thou art unwill- 
ing to part with for His sake, thou knowest not His 
value — thou art not worthy of Him ! 

Long did my soul in Jesu's form 

No comeliness or beauty see, 
His sacred name, by others priz'd, 

Was tasteless still, and dead to me. 

Thanks to the Author of all grace ! 

That shew'd me wretched, naked, poor ; 
That sweetly led me to the Rock 

Where all salvation stands secure. 

Glad I forsook my righteous pride, 

My moral tarnish' d sinful dress ; 
Kxchang'd my dross away for Christ. 

And found the robe of righteousness. 



Blessed are the poor in spirit ; for theirs is 
the Kingdom of Heaven. 



Blessed are they which are persecuted for 
righteousness' sake ; for theirs is the Kingdom 
of Heaven. — Matt. v. 3, 10. 



-:o:- 



In Him was life ; and the life was the Light 
of men. — John i. 4. 



Then spake Jesus — / am the Light of the 
world ; he that followeth Me shall not walk in 
darkness ; but shall have the light of life. — 
John viii. 12. 



(44) 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 45 

February i. 

God, who commanded the light to shine out of 
darkness, hath shifted in our hearts, to give the 
light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the 
face of Jesus Christ. — 2 Cor. iv. 6. 

Without this saving knowledge we have no God, 
no Christ, no grace, no faith, no union with Christ, 
no actual justification, pardon of sin, peace, nor 
eternal life. But whoever has found Christ, the 
pearl of great price, the treasure hid, has found 
matter of great rejoicing ; for he was poor before, 
and this treasure enricheth him ; he was naked 
before, but finding this treasure, he is gloriously 
clothed ; he w 7 as forced before to feed upon husks, 
but now he feeds on the bread of life ; he was far in 
debt before, but now he sees the debt is paid, that 
he is justified from all things, and pardoned for 
ever ; he saw he was a child of w T rath before, but 
now he is become a child of God ; that he was a 
captive, and in chains before, but now he is set at 
liberty ; condemned before, but now he sees there 
is no condemnation to him, nor to any one that is 
in Christ Jesus ; that he was a fool before, but now 
he is made wise unto salvation. Reader, canst thou 
set thy seal to the truth and power of such experi- 
ence ? Then thou art wise indeed ; if not, thou 
hast much to learn : apply with speed, and remem- 
ber, it is God alone that gives this light and knowl- 
edge. Take heed unto the sure word of prophecy, 
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until 
the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts 
(2 Peter i. 19). 

Father of love and grace, 

Thy light to me impart ; 
Reflected from thy dear Son's face, 

And beaming on mv heart. 



46 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 2. 

This is His commandment, that we should believe 
on the name of His Son Jesus Christ. — 1 John 
iii. 23. For God sent His only-begotten Son 
into the world, that we might live through Him. 
— 1 John iv. 9. 

The Father breaks forth, as it were, through the 
whole Scripture in high praises of His Son ; He 
calls out from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, 
in whom I am well pleased, hear ye Him " (Matt. 
xvii. 5). Nothing, therefore, can be more agree- 
able to Him than to receive this His Son, and to 
believe His report (John xvi. 27) ; and on doing 
this we shall have life ; but by omitting it, we look 
upon Him as a liar. Unbelief, therefore, which 
refuses to accept of this great gift, is no doubt the 
greatest of all sins. O Lord, teach me this, and 
grant me faith. 

" Why art thou so backward, O my poor soul, to 
believe,*like the rest of God's children, in Christ ? 
Hast thou not as good a right to do it as they have ? 
Who can dispute with thee this privilege ? It is 
the express will of the Father ; nay, He even com- 
mands thee to do it. Has he not given His only 
Son, by an act of inconceivable love, to die for thee, 
to the very end that thou shouldst live ? Oh ! what 
a pleasing thing will it be to Him, to put thy whole 
trust upon this His well-beloved Son ! This would 
be the joy of His heart more than anything else ; 
therefore delay no longer to receive what His love 
has offered thee, but firmly believe that the Father 
loves thee as well as the Son. ' ' 

Author of faith, to thee I lift 

My weary longing eyes ; 
Oh ! let me now receive that gift, — 

My soul without it dies ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 47 

February 3. 

Worthy is the Lamb that was slam to receive power, 
and riches, and wisdom, and strength and hon- 
or, and glory, and blessing. — Rev. v. 12. Thou 
art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, 
and power. — Rev. iv. 11. 

O Lord, how mean and slight notions have I 
often of thy great power ! By these I am discour- 
aged, and thou art robbed of thy praise. Grant, 
therefore, that though I would always be duly 
abased and convinced of my vileness, in such a 
manner as never to ascribe any good to myself, or 
think myself worthy of the least thing in the way 
of merit, for at the best I am but an unprofitable 
servant, yet thy grace and power may, at the same 
time, appear to me abundantly greater than all my 
sins, so that I may have always encouragement 
enough to believe in and praise thy holy name. 
And grant that the delusive pleasures of this world 
may never twine so closely round my heart that thy 
glory and thy praise do not always occupy my 
song. 

Come let us join our cheerful songs 

With angels round the throne ; 
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, 

But all their joys are one. 

"Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry, 

" To be exalted thus ! " 
" Worthy the I^amb," our lips reply, 

" For He was slain for us ! " 

I^et all that dwell above the sky, 

In air, in earth, and seas, 
Conspire to lift His glories high, 

And speak His endless praise. 

The whole creation join in one, 

To bless the sacred name 
Of Him that sits upon the throne 

And to adore the Lamb. 



48 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 4. 

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fat- 
ness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful 
lips. — Ps. lxiii. 5. Alleluia ! for the Lord God 
Omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, 
and give honor to Him ; for the marriage of the 
Lamb is come. — Rev. xix. 6, 7. 

What tends not to thy glory, O Lord, and is 
not thy own work, whatever appearance it may 
have, is not really good and profitable. Preserve 
and assist me, therefore, to do all things as of thee, 
in thy sight, and to thy honor. May my soul be 
ever magnifying thy name, O my dear Redeemer 
and Bridegroom, and my whole conversation be 
directed to thy praise ! Grant that my heart and 
mouth may be ever full of thy great mercies, and 
overflow continually with thanksgiving, and that 
in thy worsnip I may enjoy such a full sensation of 
spiritual comfort and joy, that no desire shall be 
left unsatisfied. 

My God, my King, thy various praise 
Demands thanksgiving all my da3 r s ; 
Oh ! let thy grace employ my tongue 
Till death and glory raise the song ! 

Grant, Lord, that ev'ry hour may bear 
Some thankful tribute to thine ear ; 
And ev'ry setting sun may see 
New works of duty done for thee ! 

Th\ r faithfulness endures the same : 
Thy bounty flows an endless stream ; 
Thy mercy swift, thine anger slow ; 
But dreadful to the stubborn foe. 

And who can speak thy wondrous deeds ! 
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds 
Vast and unsearchable thy ways ! 
Vast and immortal be thy praise. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 49 

February 5. 

David's Prayer : — Forsake not the works of thine 

own hands. — Ps. cxxxviii. 8. 
Divine Answer : — He who hath begun a good work 

in you, will perform it until the day of fesus 

Christ.— Phil. i. 6. 

The right way to grow in grace is to give up 
thyself wholly to thy heavenly Father, who know- 
eth all thy wants and has engaged to supply them. 
Then labor diligently to walk with Christ, and 
carefully cherish the new life, which, be it ever so 
weak and little now, in comparison to the old man, 
will increase and gradually outgrow him, as a new 
skin does the old. May the Lord only give us 
grace to watch against the opposite extreme, so as 
never to be lulled into a false rest, or a lukewarm 
spirit, but to be ever diligently and seriously em- 
ployed in crucifying the flesh, and using all the 
means of grace ! — then we need not be anxiously 
troubled for the growing of the work of God in our 
souls, for " He which hath begun a good work in 
you, will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ ;" 
that is, till Christ shall come to call you home to 
glory in the happy mansions He has prepared above 
the sky. 

My soul lies cleaving to the dust ; 

Lord, give me life divine ; 
From vain desires and every lust 

Turn off these eyes of mine. 

I need the influence of thy grace 

To speed me in thy wa}'. 
Lest I should loiter in my race, 

Or turn my feet astray. 

Are not thy mercies sov' reign still, 

And thou a faithful God? 
Wilt thou not grant me warmer zeal 

To run the heaveni}' road ? 



5c THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 6. 

The fashion of this world '■ — 

i Cor. vii. 31. 

As long as we feed on the husks of the w 
and are in love with it, we are neither willir.^ 
able to taste the comforts of the love of God : but 
when sin and the world are become mina- 

tion to us, and we desire to be rid of them, and seek 
diligently unto Jesus Christ for the help of His 
grace, and the benefit of His blood, we are tfa e 
a right way to receive the love of God, and every 
blessing of salvation ; and though we are chaste/. e J 
by the Lord, yet He is not angry with us, but does 
embitter sin and the world more and more :: 
us, and to make us loathe them, that we may not 
be condemned with the world ; but that we may be 
kept from the evil that is in the world (John 
xvii. 15). 

Let worldly minds the w: r 

It has no charms for me ; 
Once I admir'd its trifles too, 

I it gpna.ce has set me free. 

Its pleasures now no longer please, 

No more content afford ; 
Far from my heart be joys like these, 

Now I have known the Lord. 

As by the light of op'ning lay 

The stars are all conceal' d. 
So earthly pleasures fade away 
When jesus is reveal 1 

Now, Lord. I would be thine alone. 

And wholly live to thee. 
But may I hope that thou wilt own 

A worthless worm like me? 

Yes ; though of sinners I'm the wcrs: 

I cannot doubt thy will ; 
For if thou hadst not lov'd me first, 

I had refus'd thee still. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 51 

February 7. 

Thine is the kingdom, and thepower y and the glory, 
forever. Amen. — Matt vi 13. They cast their 
crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy \ 
O Lord, to receive glory \ and honor, and power. 
— Rev. iv. 10. 11. 

One that is really poor in spirit, though he hath 
practiced the duties of the Christian life ever so 
long, and ever so diligently, always thinks himself 
to have received but a very little portion of Christ, 
and the work of sanctification hardly to be begun 
in his soul. So far is he from believing he has 
already attained it, that after all his best actions, 
he counts himself not worthy to be called by the 
name of a grateful son. He is never pleased with 
himself. Xo degree of holiness will satisfy his soul. 
He seeks and finds no rest or comfort but in the 
infinite mercy of God, and in the pardon of his 
sins by faith, though he does not divide Christ but 
receives Him in all His offices, and gives himself 
entirely up to Hirn, without reserve, to be more 
and more sanctified and perfected ; and in this 
state he is safe indeed, he is prepared for death, 
and has no reason to be anxiously afraid, though 
earnestly desirous of higher degrees of sanctification. 

Forever hallow* d be thy name 

By all beneath the skies : 
And may thy kingdom still advance, 

Till grace to glory rise. 

A grateful homage may we yield 

With hearts resigned to thee ; 
And as in heaven thy will is done. 

On earth so let it be. 

For thine the pow'r, the kingdom thine : 

All glory's due to thee ; 
Thine from eternity they were, 

And thine shall ever be. 



52 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 8. 

He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, 
ordered in all things, and sure ; for this is all my 
salvation, and all my desire, — 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. 
/ have made a covenant with my chosen. — Ps. 
lxxxix. 3. 

This was David's plea and confidence when, with, 
eternity full before him, he was just going to make 
his appearance before an infinitely pure God. This 
mUvSt be our plea also if ever we would obtain the 
approbation of our judge. After a life of the most 
eminent holiness, the best of men will have reason 
to cry out, " Enter not into judgment with thy 
servant, O Lord !" It is true, indeed, the believer 
will discover some evidences of grace, just to shew 
the child of God, and no more, but all so imperfect, 
that he dares not ground his expectations on them. 
Here the covenant of grace steps in to his relief, 
wherein he sees ample provision made for the secur- 
ity of his eternal interest ; for the covenant is 
made with Christ and His seed. It is an everlast- 
ing covenant, not only made before time, but 
extending its beneficial effects through the ages of 
eternity. It is ordered in all things ; therefore 
nothing can be wanting in it, either to promote the 
glory of God, or the salvation of believers. It is 
sure also ; depending on no conditions, requiring 
nothing but what it gives, conferring its blessings 
freely, and making them sure to all the seed, being 
established upon better promises. Happy souls, 
who are interested in this well-ordered covenant I 
May it be all my salvation, and all my desire ! 

Thy word is truth, thy promise sure, 

Hence faith and hope abide ; 
True faith in Jesus will endure ; 

Nought can from Christ divide ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 53, 

February 9. 

/ will pray the Father > and He shall give you 
another Comforter, that He may abide with you 
forever ; even the Spirit of Truth ; whom the 
world ca?znot receive, because it seeth Him not, 
neither knoweth Him : but ye know Him ; for 
He dwelleth with yoti, and shall be in you. — John 
xiv. 16, 17. 

When God designed the great and glorious work 
of recovering fallen man, and the saving of sinners, 
u to the praise of the glory of His grace," He ap- 
pointed, in His infinite wisdom, two great means 
thereof; the one was the giving of His Son for 
them ; and the other was the giving of His Spirit 
unto them. And hereby was way made for the 
manifestation of the glory of the whole blessed 
Trinity, which is the utmost end of all the works 
of God. Hereby were the love, grace and wisdom 
of the Father, in the design and contrivance of the 
whole ; the love, grace and condescension of the 
Son, in the execution, purchase and procurement 
of grace and salvation for sinners ; with the love, 
grace and power of the Holy Spirit, in the effectual 
application of all unto the souls of men, made 
gloriously conspicuous. To these heads may all 
the promises of God be reduced. Happy for the 
Church that the Spirit is to abide with it for ever ; 
and awful to think that the unconverted world 
neither can receive nor know the Spirit. 

Holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove. 
Bringing peace, and bringing love, 
Take me, and possess me whole ; 
Form the Saviour in my soul. 

Be my true and constant Guide ; 
In my fainting heart abide ; 
All the grace of God reveal, 
And each precious promise seal. 



54 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February io. 

Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not 
io be repented of ; but the sorrow of the world 
worketh death.— 2 Cor. vii. 10. 

There is a sorrow which has the breach of God's 
holy law for its object, called godly, because it is 
produced by the Spirit of God discovering the evil 
of sin, and the plague and corruption of our own 
hearts, and deeply humbling us under a sense of 
sin, producing evangelical repentance, and leading 
the soul to cry to the Lord Jesus Christ for pardon 
and salvation ; the Holy Spirit at the same time 
enabling us to believe in Him, and rest upon His 
person, blood and righteousness, for redemption 
and salvation : which repentance will never be 
repented of. But sorrow arising from the love of 
this world, worketh death, — death eternal ! Lord 
Jesus, grant me to feel more of this godly sorrow 
for sin, and to rejoice more in thee as my Saviour ! 

Father, thy long-lost child receive ; 

Saviour, "thy purchase own ; 
Blest Comforter, with peace and joy, 

Thy waiting- creature own. 

Return, my roving heart, return, 
And life's vain shadows choose no more ; 

Seek out some solitude to mourn, 
And thy forsaken God implore. 

O thou great God, whose piercing eye 
Distinctly marks each deep retreat, 

In these sequestered hours draw nigh, 
And let me here thy presence meet. 

Through all the windings of my heart, 
My search let heavenly wisdom guide 

And still its beams unerring dart, 
Till all be known and purified. 

Then let the visits of thy love 

My inmost soul be called to share, 
Till every grace combine to prove, 

That God has fixed His dwelling there. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 55 

February ii. 

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for 
the upright i7i heart. — Ps. xcvii. 11. Unto the 
upright there ariseth light in the darkness ; he 
is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous. — 
Ps. cxii. 4. Cast not away therefore your confi- 
dence, which has great recompe7ise of reward ; 
for ye have need of patience, etc. For yet a 
little while, and He that shall come zuill come, 
and will not tarry. — Heb. x. 35-37 ; Isa. lviii. 
10-12. 

This shews that believers are subject to many 
changes of joy and sorrow. In a state of gladness, 
therefore, we have reason to fear ; and in the hours 
of trouble and sadness, to entertain good hopes. 
Thus we shall always be able to keep the happy 
medium between the extremes of levity and despair. 
Before a man has a true sense of his own miseries, 
th e complaints'and infirmities of the saints are often 
a stumbling-block ; but afterward they will admin- 
ister to him great comfort. This is the reason that 
God has revealed them in Scripture ; for the com- 
plaints of His elect children give more comfort 
than all their most heroic actions. Grant, O Lord, 
that whether sorrowing or rejoicing, I may have 
the light of the Holy Spirit to direct me. 

Alas ! it swells my sorrows high 

To see my blessed Jesus frown ; 
My spirits shrink, my comforts die, 

And all the springs of life are down. 

Yet why, my soul, why these complaints? 

Still while He frowns His bowels move ; 
Still on His heart He bears His saints, 

And feels their sorrows and His love. 



56 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 12. 

I find a law, that when I would do good, evil is 
present with me. — Rom. vii. 21. For the flesh 
lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against 
the flesh : and these are contrary the one to the 
other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye 
would. — Gal. v. 17. 

O my soul ! thou art always striving, yet sin is 
always stirring : thou fearest the truth "of grace, 
because thou findest the working of sin ; but it will 
be always thus ; thou canst not come out of Egypt, 
but Amalek will lay wait in the way ; the flesh will 
be sure to trouble thee, although it be never able 
to conquer thee. He therefore that sits down, and 
is at rest in sin, it is a sign that Satan is there, the 
strong man, because his kingdom is in peace ; but 
where there is any work of Christ, there will be 
always war with sin. Sin was the womb of death, 
and only death must be the tomb of sin. God 
would have my soul humbled ; therefore, though 
He hath broken my prison, yet He hath left the 
chain upon my feet. God would have my graces 
exercised ; therefore, though He hath translated 
me into the kingdom of life, yet He hath left the 
Canaanite in the land. God would have my faith 
exercised ; therefore, Goliath still shews himself in 
the field, that so I might go out to him "in the 
name of the Lord." I will betake me to the 
strength of Christ ; and though I cannot help the 
rebelling power of sin, yet through grace I will 
labor to prevent the ruling power of it. God grant 
me of that strength according to my daily need ! 

Though sin will in believers dwell 

Till death the inmates part ; 
O Jesus, save me from this hell 

Which lurks within my heart ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 57 

February 13. 
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- 
self, not imputing their trespasses unto them ;for 
He has made Him to be sin for us who knew no 
sin, that we might be made the righteousness of 
God in Him. — 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. 

What a glorious statement for the contrite sin- 
ner, ''God is in Christ!" And how employed? 
* ' Reconciling the world unto himself. ' ' But how ? 
By "not imputing their trespasses unto them." 
And how can the justice of God do this ? By 
making " Him to be sin for us who knew no sin ;" 
and all ' ' that we might be made the righteousness 
of God in Him." May not the Christian, then, 
live at perfect peace ? He may. Yet it highly 
concerns believers, who desire to keep a constant 
peace in their bosoms, to be ever sensible of their 
spiritual poverty, and to feed and rest wholly on 
the all-sufficient atonement and righteousness of 
Jesus Christ. Disquiet of mind and laziness of soul, 
often proceed from self-righteousness and not look- 
ing to Christ for everything, but trusting secretly to 
something in ourselves. 

Jesus, thou art my righteousness, 

For all my sins were thine. 
Thy death has bought of God my peace, 

Thy life has made Him mine ! 

Forever here my rest shall be, 

Close to thy bleeding side ! 
'Tis all my hope, and all my plea ; 

For me the Saviour died ! 

My dying Saviour and my God, 

Fountain for guilt and sin ; 
Sprinkle me ever with thy blood, 

And cleanse and keep me clean. 



58 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 14. 

Nevertheless I am continually with thee ; thou 
hast holden vie by my right hand. Thou shall 
guide me with thy counsel, and afterward re- 
ceive me to glory. Whom have 1 hi heaven but 
thee ? and there is ?wne upon earth that I desire 
beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but 
God is the strength of my heart, and my po? Hon 
forever. — Ps. lxxiii. 23-26. 

Babes in religion not only long for Christ, but 
for sensible communion with Him ; and very often 
they are indulged with it, that they may be weaned 
from the world. But those of fuller age, who have 
their senses more exercised, are thankful they can 
trust Him when they do not see Him, and can 
follow Him when they feel no comfort ; relying 
more upon the word and covenant of God than on 
sweet sensations, which, though ever precious and 
desirable, are oft withdrawn in times of trouble 
and temptation. Bestow thj^ grace, thou blessed 
Jesus, upon my poor soul, that by faith I may lay 
hold on thee, and esteem thee as my chief joy, my 
sure portion, and exceeding great reward. 

How oft have sin and Satan strove 
To rend my heart from thee, my God ! 

But everlasting is thy love, 
And Jesus seals it with His blood. 

In just temptations sharp and strong 

My soul to this dear refuge flies ; 
Hope is my anchor, firm and strong, 

While tempests blow and billows rise. 

The Gospel bears my spirit up, 

A faithful and unchanging God 
Laj'S the foundation of my hope 

In oaths, and promises, and blood. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 59. 

February 15. 

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make 
glad the city of God. God is in the midst of 
her ; she shall not be moved. — Ps. xlvi. 4, 5. Ye 
are of God, little children^ and have overcome 
them ; because greater is He that is hi you, than 
he that is in the world. — 1 John iv. 4 ; Ps. ex. 5 ; 
Zech. ii. 5. 

True Christians, in a right spirit, still are subject 
to temptations from, within and without ; but watch- 
ing unto prayer, they do not fall by them. On the 
contrary, as temptations are great helps to discover 
their hidden infirmities, and stir them up to be 
more cautious, serious and faithful, they are fol- 
lowed and rewarded with great and glorious victo- 
ries. Temptations are not indeed joyous in them- 
selves, but are attended with good fruit and blessed 
effects in the faithful. Hence St. James bids us- 
count it all joy when we fall into divers tempta- 
tions. What reason have we then to be afraid of 
temptations, since every one carries a new blessing. 
along with it ? 

Jesus, lover of my soul, 

Eet me to thy bosom fly, 
While the nearer waters "roll, 

While the tempest still is nigh. 

Hide me, O my Saviour ! hide, 

Till the storm of life is past. 
Safe into the haven guide ! 

Oh ! receive my soul at last ! 

Other refuge have I none ; 

Hangs my helpless soul on thee ; 
Eeave, oh ! leave me not alone ! 

Still support and comfort me. 

All my trust on thee is stay'd, 
All my help from thee I bring, 

Cover my defenceless head 
With the shadow of thy wing. 



«o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 16. 

Let not sin reign hi your mortal body, that ye 
should obey it in the lusts thereof. — Rom. vi. 
12. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
—James iv. 7. 

O my soul, how awful is thy state by nature and 
practice ! Sin hath gained a dominion over thee ; 
its influence is universal over the soul and body 
and over every son and daughter of Adam : it hath 
brought death on the body, and subjected the soul 
to everlasting misery ; its authority is unjust, and 
its power cruel and destructive. Lord Jesus, let me 
adore thine effectual grace, that it hath in any 
measure delivered me from its power, and assist my 
poor heart in opposing and rejecting every tempta- 
tion to obey it in the lusts thereof ; let thy precious 
blood effectually secure me from the guilt of sin in 
this life, and the punishment of it in another ! O 
my soul, if thou art a faithful follower of Jesus, 
though Satan received a deadly wound when Christ 
was crucified for us, yet his malice is still the same ; 
thou hast a thousand enemies, and the devil is the 
leader of them alb O may I with the deepest 
humility, look to Jesus, rest upon Jesus, and derive 
daily strength from Him to resist the devil, and, 
finally, to come off conqueror, and more than con- 
queror, through Him that loved me. Amen. 

Oh ! that thou would the heavens rend, 

In majesty come down, 
Stretch out thine arm Omnipotent, 

And seize me for thine own ! 

What though I cannot break my chain, 

Or e'er throw offim- load, 
The things impossible to men 

Are possible to God. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 61 

FEBRUARY 17. 

Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet 
now henceforth know we Him no more. — 2 Cor. 
v. 16. It is the Spirit that quickeneth ; the flesh 
profiteth nothing : the words that I speak unto 
you, they are spirit, and they are life.— John 
vi. 63. 

What is it to know Christ after the flesh ? It is 
to content ourselves with carnal views of His per- 
son, character and kingdom. This was the case 
with all those who followed Him not on account of 
His miracles and doctrines, but for the loaves and 
fishes. Alas ! are there not too many who wish to 
know Christ for carnal, worldly interest, and not 
that they may be saved from a proud rebellious 
heart, and an ungodly life? O my soul, let me see 
to it, that my seeking after Christ may not be car- 
nal, but spiritual ; worldly interest is too apt, it 
may be feared, to influence both private professors 
and even public preachers. True believers can say 
that henceforth this carnal knowledge of Christ is 
not their pursuit. Where the spirit of Jesus re- 
generates the heart, and we are brought to a 
spiritual and experimental knowledge of Christ, we 
shall love Him, rejoice in Him, humbly submit to 
His will in all things, and daily pray to be more 
and more like Him. O thou dear and precious 
Jesus ! grant that this may be more and more my 
experience till I shall know th.ee in all thy holiness 
and glory, for ever and ever ! 

Is there a thing beneath the sun 

That strives with thee, my heart, to share? 

Ah ! tear it thence, and reign alone 

The Iyord of every motion there, 

Then shall my heart from earth be free 

When it hath found repose in thee. 



62 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 18. 

The Lord preserves the simple : I was brought low, 

and He helped me. — Ps. cxvi. 6. 

HE who walks in godly simplicity and humility, 
accounting his own infirmities always the greatest, 
will best be preserved from being puffed up and 
sifted by the enemy of souls ; and, truly, nothing 
should humble us more than justification by free 
grace. The more we consider and carefully cherish 
that, the more this simple, child-like, quiet temper 
will increase ; for since there is nothing in ourselves 
which can be depended upon, but all must be freely 
received from Christ, this, at the same time cutting 
off all vain boasting, brings us low, settles our 
peace in Christ, who is our All, and is sure enough 
to be rested upon. It is only from thee, O my 
dear Saviour, I can learn true simplicity ! Teach 
me, therefore, to turn mine eyes, not upon others, 
but upon myself. Humble me to the uttermost, 
and fashion me after thy own mind, that I may be 
careful to avoid every thing that is contrary to love. 
Keep me, O my Light, from all self-independence 
and self-conceit, bridle my carnal reason, and pull 
down all vain imaginations ! Grant that my eye 
may be fixed only upon that one thing needful 
which lasts eternally ; and that in all my words, 
deeds and gestures, I may always resemble the 
simplicity, innocence, fidelity and love of a little 
child (Matt, xviii. 3). 

Rich grace, free grace most sweetly calls, 

Directly come who will ; 
Just as you are, for Christ receives 

Poor helpless sinners still. 

'Tis grace each day that feeds our souls ; 

Grace keeps us inly poor ; 
And oh ! that nothing else but grace 

May rule forever more. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 63 

February 19. 
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. — Ps. 
xxiii. 1. He says it Himself : — / am come that 
they might have life, and that they might have it 
more abundantly. I give unto them eternal life; 
and they shall never perish, neither shall any 
pluck them out of my hand. — John x. 10, 28. 

Is the Lord Jesus thy Shepherd ? Has He called 
thee out of the wilderness ? called thy heart from 
the love of sin and the world, and brought thee 
unto His fold and pastures? brought thee into a 
close attendance on His ordinances ? And does He 
feed and refresh thy soul with His word ? Canst 
thou distinguish the Shepherd's voice from the 
voice of an hireling ? And does thy heart cleave 
to the Shepherd in faith and love, adoring His 
person and approving His laws, as well as admiring 
His doctrines? Then fear not, the Lord is with 
thee ; Jesus is thy Shepherd, thou shalt want noth- 
ing that is really good. Follow thy Shepherd till 
He bring thee to glory ! 

The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want. 

He makes me down to lie 
In pastures green : Ke leadeth me 

The quiet waters by. 

My soul He doth restore again ; 

And me to walk doth .make 
Within the paths of righteousness, 

Even for His own name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, 

Yet will I fear none ill ; 
For thou art with me ; and thy rod 

And staff me comfort still. 

My table thou hast furnished 

In presence of my foes ; 
My head thou dost with oil anoint, 

And my cup overflows. 

Goodness and mercy all my life 

Shall surely follow me : 
And in God's house for evermore 

My dwelling place shall be. 



64 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 20. 

The everlasting Gospel. — Rev. xiv. 6. And up- 
braideth them with their unbelief and hardness of 
heart, because they believed not. — Mark xvi. 14. 

The Gospel is properly called " Glad Tidings," 
for these reasons : We are polluted with the filth of 
sin ; in it is opened a fountain for sin and unclean- 
ness. The way to heaven is blocked up by our 
sins ; it reveals ' ' a new and living way through the 
flesh of Christ." We are imprisoned debtors by 
multiplied transgressions ; it shews that a price, the 
most inestimable, has been paid to discharge us. 
We have by nature hard, strong and impenitent 
hearts ; in it is promised a heart of flesh. We can 
of ourselves do nothing ; it shews that through 
Christ we can do all things ! We feel that we are 
liable to err and backslide ; it declares that God will 
scourge us till we return to Him, but not take His 
loving-kindness from us. We know that we are 
liable to many calamities ; it teaches us that they 
shall all work together for our good. We see that 
we are dying creatures ; hy it we are assured that 
we have a Forerunner in heaven, and an eternal 
habitation with God in glory. Lord, send abroad 
and bless this Gospel. Make bare thine otvn holy 
arm, and let the people be willing in the day of thy 
power. Oh ! let the world adoring see triumphs of 
mercy wrought by thee. 

Salvation, oh ! Salvation, 

The joj-ful sound proclaim, 
Till each remotest nation, 

Has learned Messiah's name. 

Salvation ! let the echo fly, 

The spacious earth around ; 
And all the armies of the sky 

Conspire to raise the sound. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 65 

February 21. 

They profess that they know God, but in works they 
deny Him. — Tit. i. 16 ; Jude 4 ; 2 Tim. iii. 5. 

There is a profession of a special kind, which, 
in its own nature, is exposed to reproach in the 
world : ' ' the}' that will live godly in Christ Jesus 
shall suffer persecution." There is a being in 
Christ, and not living godly ; for there are branches 
in the vine by profession, that bring forth no fruit ; 
men that have not in them the mind that was in 
Christ Jesus, which torments the men of the earth ; 
but they that will live godly — that is, engage in a 
profession that shall, on all occasions, and in all 
instances, manifest the power of it, they shall suffer 
persecution. We see many every day keep up a 
profession ; but such a profession as will not pro- 
voke the world. Now this is to be ashamed of the 
Gospel — to be ashamed of the power and glory of 
it, to be ashamed of the Author of it. No man can 
put Jesus Christ to greater shame than by profess- 
ing the Gospel without shewing the power of it 
(Phil. iii. 18 ; Rev. xi. 10). There can be no more 
vile and sordid hypocrisy, than for any to pretend 
unto inward habitual sanctification, while their 
lives are barren in the fruits of righteousness and 
obedience. Reader, of all dangers in profession, 
beware of a customary, traditional, or doctrinal 
owning of Gospel truths, without an experimental 
acquaintance with the reality and efficacy of them ; 
for all such will have their portion where is " wail- 
ing and gnashing of teeth !" 

O fairest pearl of price, 

TI13* riches let me see, 
And freely sacrifice 

The world's esteem for thee ! 
For thee I would count all things loss. 
And only glory in thy cross. 



66 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 22. 

I will put enmity between thee and the woman , and 
between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy 
head, a?id thou shall bruise his heel. — Gen. iii. 
15. See Gal. iv. 4-6 ; Col. ii. 14, 15 ; and Heb. 
ii. 14. 

By " the seed of the woman " is to be understood 
Christ the Saviour ; not excluding His friends and 
followers in every age of the world. This predic- 
tion of a Saviour signifies to our first parents these 
four things: 1. That the promised Saviour was not 
to be the man's, but the woman's seed, or born of a 
virgin. 2. That He was to be a man by that ex- 
pression, "Thou shalt bruise his heel." 3. That 
He should break the head of the serpent, or destroy 
his power and dominion over mankind, and punish 
him, and all his votaries with an utter destruction ; 
and, 4. That in order to our Saviour's doing so, He 
must have His own heel, or human nature, that 
lowest part of His mediatory person, bruised by the 
serpent, or persecuted and put to death by the 
devil and his emissaries. This was the first intima- 
tion of a Saviour that was made to the world ; it 
was made to the serpent for his immediate confu- 
sion ; made in the presence of our first parents, and 
before their sentence was pronounced, to inspire 
them with the hope of pardon and life, and with 
a sense of the distinguishing mercy of God, who, 
before he denounced so much as any temporal 
punishment, animated them with the hope of 
eternal redemption. 

Arise, arise, thou woman's seed. 

And bruise the serpent in my heart ; 
Employ thy vengeance on his head, 

And deadly strokes each day impart. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 67 

February 23. 

The Lord do that which seemeth Him good. — 2 Sam. 
x. 12. Thy will be done. — Luke xxii. 42. 

A Christian still feels the motion of self-will, 
and, consequently, of sin in his heart. And if it be 
asked, How can Christ and sin dwell together in 
one heart ? the answer is : As a king and rebels in 
in one kingdom or town ; He does not agree or 
correspond with them, but subdues them, and 
maintains peace. But where self-will has the 
dominion, there is nothing but trouble and con- 
fusion ; for unsanctifled passions, and a bad con- 
science, not only are inward torments, but often 
occasion perplexity and damage in our worldly 
affairs ; whereas, in the blood of Christ, we have 
a good conscience, abundance of peace, and can 
be contented and happy in the most indifferent 
outward circumstances. 

Take heed, therefore, O my dear Christian, never 
to be led by thy own spirit, were it even in such 
things as seem to bring glory to God, if it is not of 
His own appointment. Our hearts sometimes are 
very deceitfully desirous of what pleases ourselves, 
while we pretend to seek God's glory ; and were 
we not crossed in these our designs, they would 
prove a great burden to our life. Blessed is he who 
not only prays with his lips, but is heartily willing 
also that nothing but the will of the Lord should 
be done in everything. It is God alone that under- 
stands what may be good or dangerous to our 
spiritual or temporal circumstances. We being 
often blinded, or drawn by our lusts, are too much 
inclined to choose at random what would be per- 
haps most detrimental. 

Saviour, to my heart be near, 
Kxercise the shepherd's care ; 
Guard my weakness by thy grace, 
Let me feel a constant peace, 



68 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 24. 

The Lord will regard the prayer of the destitute, 
and not despise their prayer. — Ps. cii. 17. They 
looked unto Him and were lightened ; their faces 
were not ashamed. — Ps. xxxiv. 5. See also in- 
stance of the woman of Canaan, Matt. xv. 21-28 ; 
what Christ says, Luke xi. 5-13 ; xviii. 1-8 ; like- 
wise of a tossed vessel, Matt. viii. 24-27. 

The load of outward and inward affliction is not 
always prayed away with a few words, or in a few 
days. Sometimes it is necessary even to wrestle 
with God, and be very instant too ; how else could 
faith and patience be exercised? If, therefore, the 
trials be sharp and lasting, it is not to weaken our 
faith, but to stir us up to be more instantly zealous 
in prayer, and the right use of the word of God ; 
and by this means to be so much more gloriously 
delivered and strengthened in faith ; for whatever 
God sends upon us, it is not for the lessening, but 
for the increase of our faith. " Blessed is the man 
that endure th temptation ; for when he is tried, he 
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath 
promised to them that love Him " (James i. 12). 

God is our refuge and our strength, 

In straits a present aid; 
Therefore, although the earth remove, 

We will not be afraid ; 

Though hills amidst the seas be cast ; 

Though waters roaring make, 
And troubled be ; yea, though the hills 

B\- swelling seas do shake. 

A river is, whose streams do glad 

The city of our God ; 
The holy" place, wherein the Lord 

Most High hath His abode. 

God in the midst of her doth dwell ; 

Nothing shall her remove ; 
The Lord to her an helper will, 

And that right early prove- 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 69 

February 25. 

/ dwell in the high and holy place, with him also 
that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive 
the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart 
of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for 
ever, neither will I be always wroth ; for the 
spirit should fail before me, and the souls whicii 
I have made. — Isa. lvii. 15, 16. 

How sweet are all God's promises, and what a 
cheering hope do they impart ! ' * I dwell with 
him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. " Oh ! 
how consoling are these words to the broken heart 
and to the wounded spirit ; to the spirit wounded 
on account of sin ! How unbounded the joy of the 
true believer ! God doth dwell w T ith him. Yet to 
insist too much upon the sensible joy of faith, 
might make weak souls weaker still. Many a sin- 
cere Christian's heart is like a bottle of a very 
narrow passage, which can receive the dew of a 
heavenly comfort only by little drops. But dost 
thou feel thyself quite naked, and void of all good ?' 
Christ will surely cover thee with the robe of righ- 
teousness. Go entirely out of thyself, looking only 
to Him for everything ; and whatever gifts of joy, 
peace and holiness may be given thee, be very 
thankful for them, yet trust not in them, but in 
Christ alone. This will make thee pure and keep 
thy heart at rest. 

The man who walks with God in truth, 

Andev'ry guile disdains, 
Who hates to lift oppression's rod, 

And scorns its shameful gains ; 

His dwelling, 'midst the strength of rocks, 

Shall ever stand secure ; 
His Father will provide his bread, 

His water shall be sure. 



7o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 26. 

Lord, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to 
stand strong ; thou didst hide thy face ', and I was 
troubled. — Ps. xxx. 7. See also civ. 29-31. 

SEE, my soul, in this verse, a picture of thine own 
experience ; how much art thou and David alike ! 
When I look up to heaven, how often do I see the 
sun both shine and set ! When I look down into 
myself, how often do I see my comforts rise and 
fall ! One while I am upon Mount Tabor, and 
have a glance of heaven ; another while I lie in the 
valley of Bochim weeping, because I have lost 
sight of my heavenly country. Joshua's long day 
is many times turned into Paul's sad night. When 
God would quicken my affections, He gives me a 
glance of heaven, that so I may be in love with 
wmat I see. When I begin to bless myself, and rest 
in my happy privileges, He draws a veil over the 
bright vision, that I may rest in nothing but Him- 
self, nor loathe what I so greatly love. He suffers 
my happiness here to be imperfect, that so I may 
be pressing on to that place where I shall be per- 
fectly happy for ever, Lord, when thou shewest 
thyself, let me love thee ; when my mountain 
stands strong, let me praise thee ; when thou with- 
drawest thyself, let me follow thee ; when thy 
countenance is hid, let me still believe that thou 
lovest me ; under all my changes here, let my soul 
be always breathing, panting, longing and reach- 
ing after thee, till I shall so perfectly enjoy thee, 
that I may never lose thee more. But bound up in 
the bundle of life, when life closes, my soul may 
wing its way to dwell with thee for ever. Amen. 

Lord, guide me in this Christian race, 
And keep my mind intent on thee ; 

Rejoicing when I see thy face, 
And trusting when I cannot see. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 71 

February 27. 

Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift 
you as wheat ; but I have prayed for thee, that 
thy faith fail no >t. — Luke xxii. 31, 32. Yet shall 
not the least grain fall upon the earth. — Amos 
ix. 9. For I will keep thee from the hour of 
temptatio7i. — Rev. iii. 10. 

Sometimes we may imagine ourselves to be 
Divinely convinced of the will of God, both, by 
seeming outward providences and inward persua- 
sions of faith ; and yet it is possible that the siftings 
of Satan are at the bottom ; however, the Lord 
will overrule him at last, and order all things to the 
best for His people. May the Lord make us watch- 
ful against our own spirit, and against the evil one, 
especially when he is transformed into an angel of 
light, that it may not be in his power to sift us so 
as to gain an advantage over us, by our listening to 
his inward suggestions, or yielding to his subtle 
temptations ! And, O my soul, what a precious 
truth is this for thee, ' ' I have prayed for thee, that 
thy faith fail not!" Remember who He is that 
prays for thee. It is Christ. Thou hast still the 
same intercessor, who is now at God's right hand. 
He has the same merits to plead now that He had 
when upon earth. Wilt thou despise his prayer ? 
Pause, my soul ; hast thou ever asked for this 
prayer? Thou hast need of it. Turn even now to 
Christ and plead for it. Plead in earnest and thou 
shalt get it. 

In vain the baffled prince of hell 

His cursed project tries ; 
We that were dooni'd his endless slaves, 

Are rais'd above the skies. 

Oh ! may my Jesus guard me safe 

From ev'ry ill design; 
And to His heav'nly kingdom keep 

This feeble soul of mine. 



72 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

February 28. 

Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorn- 
ing of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, 
etc.; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in 
that which is not corruptible, even the ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight 
of God of great price. — 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4. In rest 
shall ye be saved ; in quietness and in confidence 
shall be your strength. — Isa. xxx. 15. 

A Christian's best accoutrements and festival 
clothes, in which he daily celebrates his Sabbath, 
is called (Col. iii. 10, 12, 14), "The new man, 
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, 
meekness, long-suffering, and, above all, charit}'." 
These are our true ornaments, and we should seek 
to be dressed in them. — Reader, what dost thou 
adorn most ? — thy body or thy soul ! " O thou 
meek and quiet Lamb of God, justly I blush before 
thee, when I consider my impatience, though I am 
never innocent like thee ! I humbly beseech thee 
to forgive me these transgressions, since thou hast 
made sufficient atonement for all by thy meritorious 
silence ; but deliver me from this choleric, hot and 
peevish temper also ; and give me grace, in all in- 
ward and outward troubles, to have the long- 
forbearing mind which was in thee ! Make me 
daily more and more like a lamb, that on all occa- 
sions, grievous or joyful, I may be duly composed, 
and shew that excellent heavenly ornament of a 
meek and quiet spirit, not in many words, but in 
reality and power. Amen." 

Giver of concord, Prince of Peace, 

Meek, lanib-like Son of God, 
Bid our unruly passions cease, 

And quench them with thy blood. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 73 

{Leap Year.) — February 29. 

Behold these three years I come seeking fruit on 
this fig-tree, and find none, etc. — Luke xiii. 7-9. 

Thou fruitless fig-tree, thou barreu professor, 
dost thou hear this, and not tremble ? God is come 
seeking fruit ; — will thy bare profession, thy knowl- 
edge of the principles of religion, satisfy the great 
God ? Will the notions of truth in thy head, thy 
talking and disputing, thy hearing the word 
preached, thy commending or censuring sermons 
and preachers, just as thou art in the mood, will 
this serve thy turn ? — and wilt thou thus endeavor 
to ward off the heart-searching God? Know thou, 
God is come to seek for fruit, and for good fruit 
from thee ; — not the fruit of good words only, but 
the fruit of good works ; not the fruit of talking 
well, but of walking well, the fruits of holiness in 
life and conversation : — fruit short of this God w 7 ill 
not regard. If thy conscience be awakened, look 
to thy merciful High Priest, consider well His 
intercession for such a barren soul as thou art : 
M Lord, let it alone," etc. Father, let this man live 
one year longer ; — oh ! turn away from this thine 
anger ! I will yet see what may be done. I will 
take other methods, — I will try what corrections 
may do ; — perhaps the rod may work more upon 
him than my word has hitherto done, and may tend 
to make his barren heart fruitful ; I will also stir 
up my servants to awaken him by a more sharp 
and searching manner ; and if these new efforts be 
blessed to him, all shall yet be well, thy grace 
magnified, and his soul saved ; if not, then thou 
shaft cut him down. 

If under means of grace no fruits of grace appear, 
It is a dreadful case ! tho' God may long forbear, 
At length He'll strike the threaten'd blow, 
And lav the barren fig-tree low. 



74 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March i. 

Hive by the faith of the Son of God. — Gal. ii. 20 ; 
2 Cor. v. 15 ; read also 1 Thess. v. 10, and 1 
Peter iv. 2. 

In spiritual things we are too often living upon 
self; we seek in frames, forms, creatures and 
animal life, that inward peace and stability of mind 
which is only to be found in the Redeemer. Out- 
ward duties are well in their places ; they are to be 
performed, but not to be trusted in ; they are as the 
scaffold to the building, — a mean for carrying on 
the work, but not the work itself. When favored 
with the gracious presence of Jesus, they are bless- 
ings ; without it, they are nothing. The whole 
dependence must be on Jesus. He being the way, 
the truth, and the life, without Him prayers, 
praises, rights and ordinances, are carcasses with- 
out a soul. This is the case with even* external 
service that is destitute of the presence and blessing 
of the Holy Spirit, who alone imparts communion 
of heart, and a quickening of the soul in faith, and 
in love to Jesus, and often a delightful view of that 
which is behind the veil of outward ordinances, 
such as no carnal eye can behold. — a purely spirit- 
ual discover*.* of the Lord in His goodness, beauty, 
grandeur and glory. Oh ! may the Spirit be 
poured out on my soul, and by the faith which He 
imparts may I get a foretaste of the joys of the 
heavenly state ! Amen. 

I wish, as faithful Christians do. 

Dear Lord, to live to thee ; 
And by my words and walk to shew 

That thou hast died for rue. 

Oh ! grant me, through thy precious blood 

Thy Gospel thus to grace : 
Renew my heart, O Lamb of God, 

Thus shall thy works thee praise. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 75 

March 2. 

Broad is the way thai leadeth to destruction, and 
many there be which go in thereat ; but narrow 
is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there 
be that find it. — Matt. vii. 13, 14 ; read also Luke 
xiii. 24. 

This sounds too harsh in the ears of the old man. 
who would not have the Law made use of in these 
Gospel times, either to the converted or uncon- 
verted ; and yet to the old man, the Law, and not 
the Gospel, properly belongs. St. Paul, the great 
preacher of the Gospel, made use of the Law to 
rouse unconverted Felix from his security (Acts 
xxiv. 25), and to warn the converted Romans from 
falling into it again (Rom. viii. 13). 

Which way dost thou walk ? Examine thyself. 
Is it in the narrow way ? Art thou quite sure of 
it ? Venture not to go on any farther at random. 
It is matter of great consequence ; if thou wilt be 
safe, try better for it ; thou mayest easily be de- 
ceived. Alas ! thou art surely in the broad way to 
destruction, if thou still lovest and art conformed 
to the world. Art thou but indifferent with regard 
to the things of God, relishing more the vanities, 
pleasures, companies, treasures and honors of this 
world ? — thou art not in the good narrow way that 
leads unto life. Oh ! consider this well, and stop 
short before it is too late, and thou drop into the 
bottomless pit of perdition ! Nothing renders this 
way either narrow or difficult but sin. Leave off 
thy sin, and thou mayest not only find the way, but 
abide, walk and persevere in it till the end. 

Strait is the way, the door is strait, 

That leads to joys on high ; 
'Tis but a few that find the gate, 

While crowds mistake and die ! 



76 THE GOLDEN TREASURY, 



Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel 
in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, 
when he goeth into the holy place, for a memorial 
before the Lord continually ; and thou shall put 
into the breastplate of judgment the Urim and 
Thummim, — namely, light and integrity. — 
Exod. xxviii. 29, 30. 

Now am I, saith the believer, for ever in gracions 
remembrance with God, since my great high priest 
and advocate, Christ Jesus, bears my name con- 
tinually before Him on His heart. Whenever I am 
troubled about my sins, His powerful mediation 
will surely obtain mercy for all my transgressions, 
and supply my wants abundantly ! God not deny- 
ing Him anything, I can through Him continually 
be heard, and obtain grace ; for He makes per- 
petual intercession for me in heaven, by which all 
my prayers, at all times, and even now, are sancti- 
fied, and presented to the Father, who heareth Kim 
always. Oh ! who would not send np his petition 
to heaven in faith ? Yet, O my soul, is thy prayer 
the pra}"er of faith ? Dost thou offer it believing 
that thou shalt receive ? and dost thou with anxious 
expectation look for the answer ! Ah ! consider 
well, dost thou not pray, aud then think thy work 
Is done? Prayers without the longing desire are 
no prayers at all. Let not such be thine. 

Now may our joyful tongues 

Cur Maker's honor sing ; 
Jesus, the priest, receives our songs. 

And bears them to the King. 

Before His Father's eye 

Our humble suit He moves ; 
The Father lays His thunders by, 

And looks, and smiles, and loves. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 77 

March 4. 
If any man will come after me, let him deny him- 
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 
— Luke ix. 23 ; see also Matt. x. 38 ; Mark viii. 
34 ; and Luke xiv. 27. 

Doing this, all the rest will be easy. If we know 
that we are nothing, are unworthy of everything, 
and having nothing of our own, we can lose nothing. 
We have no property, since we are but stewards of 
the Lord. We have no honor or shame of our own, 
after the manner of the world ; this being our only 
honor, if God be glorified ; and our only shame, if 
He be dishonored by us. The glory of God we 
must have at heart, and in His cause be like lions ; 
but in our own cause like lambs. Therefore, when 
we are crossed in things which do not concern the 
glory of God and the real good of our neighbor, 
but our own interest, and are unwilling to suffer 
anything, we shall miscarry and be involved in 
greater troubles ; but denying ourselves, we shall 
lose only a good deal of vexation ; and instead of 
this, receive Christ, with all His spiritual and tem- 
poral blessings, as far as we want them ; which 
alone can make us cheerful and happy. But who- 
ever desires to please the world, seeking himself 
and his own glory, cannot be a follower of Christ. 
And how will it be with him in the hour of death 
and judgment? By this every one, learned or un- 
learned, may try themselves : whom do they 
please ? — God or the world ? 

Jesus, I my cross have taken , 

All to leave, and follow thee ; 
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken. 

Thou, from hence, my all shall be. 

Perish every fond ambition, 
All I've sought, or hoped, or known, 

Yet how rich is my condition, 
God and heaven are still m3' own ! 



78 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 5. 

Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. — 
1 Pet. ii. 7. 

Reader, put these following questions to thine 
own heart, as in the presence of God : if thou canst 
answer them affirmatively, doubt not thy real 
interest in Him, and in His great salvation : — Is the 
Lord Jesus Christ precious to me, as He is to all 
that believe ? Once He was to me without form or 
comeliness, and I saw no beauty in Him ; is He now 
to me the chief of ten thousands, yea, altogether 
lovely ? Do I behold an infinite amiableness and 
glory in His person, a transcendent excellency in 
His righteousness, an inexhausted fullness in His 
grace, and a heaven of happiness in His love ? Do 
I esteem Him above every name, love Him above 
every creature and thing, and value an interest in 
Him before ten thousand worlds ? Is the language 
of my soul, " None but Christ, none but Christ! 
Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is 
none upon earth that I desire besides thee ?" Is all 
the world, all that is admired in it, esteemed by me 
as dung, and beheld with the greatest contempt, 
when compared with a glorious Christ, the ravish- 
ing sweetness of His love, and the unsearchable 
riches of His grace ? Do I wish nothing so ardently, 
seek nothing so diligently, and rejoice in nothing 
so greatly, as to win Christ, and be found in Him ? 
Be this my portion ! — and I can say, I want, I wish, 
I ask no more ! 

In vain I seek for rest 

In all created good ! 
It leaves me yet unblest, 

And makes nie pant for God. 
And sure at rest I cannot be, 
Until my heart find rest in thee ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 79 

March 6. 

Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold 
of Ophir. The King's daughter is all glorious 
within; her clothing is of wrought gold. Hearken , 
O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; 

forget also thine own people, and thy father's 
house; so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty; 

for He is thy Lord, and worship thou Him. — 
Ps. xlv. 9-11, 13. 

Observe, O my soul, that thy celestial Bride- 
groom does not require any ornament, merit, wor- 
thiness, or beauty of thine own ! No ; He will 
wash thee himself with His blood, He will adorn 
thee, and make thee truly amiable to himself and 
to His Father. Oh ! sweet and eternal truth : " He 
has loved us and washed us from our sins in His 
own blood." And being clothed with his righ- 
teousness, we have more than angelic beauty. If 
we have received the Spirit of Adoption, let us 
cleave to Christ alone, love Him above all things, 
and walk in His commandments. This is not only 
our duty, but a needful evidence of our sonship. 

The King of saints, how fair His face, 
Adorn'd with majesty and grace ! 
He comes with blessings from above, 
And wins the nations to His love ! 

At His right hand our ej^es behold 
The queen arrayed in purest gold ; 
The world admires her heav'nly dress, 
Her robe of joy and righteousness. 

He forms her beaudes like His own ; 
He calls and seats her near His throne ; 
Fair stranger, let thine heart forget 
The idols of thy native state. 

So shall the King the more rejoice 
In thee, the favorite of His choice ; 
Let Him be lov'd, and yet ador'd, 
For He's thy Maker and thy I^ord. 



So THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 7. 

They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with 
the affections and lusts. — Gal. v. 24 ; Rom. vi. 6. 
See also Gal. ii. 20. 

ALTHOUGH the flesh be alive still, and frequently 
stir, yet it cannot fulfill its desires when it is fast- 
ened to the cross ; — with the crucifying of the flesh 
we have to do as long as we live. This is the cross 
we are to take up daily, and which either prevents 
many outward crosses, or at least yields great com- 
fort under them. The cross being an extraordinary 
good mean to experience the sweetness of the word 
of God, thou must always be ready and prepared 
for it, O my soul ! And if none come from with- 
out, take care to break thy own will in everything. 
Painful and hard as this may seem to be at first, 
yet it will certainly very soon grow easier, and be 
matter of real joy. Blessing and peace will attend 
thy ways and steps, and thou shalt glorify God for 
having been resigned and guided, not by thy own, 
but by His good-w 7 ill and pleasure. Self-will, on the 
other hand, creates nothing but vexation, trouble, 
and uneasiness. It is punished b}^ itself, deprives 
us of real blessings, and therefore deserves, and is 
best to be broken and crucified in its first motions. 
Then help me, by pouring the Holy Spirit into my 
heart, to crucify the flesh with the vile affections 
and lusts thereof. 

Still I feel a fleshy part, 
Much corruption in my heart ; 
Oh ! I'm. very vile indeed ! 
Of thy blood I sure have need ! 

Break, oh ! break this heart of stone. 
Form it for thy use alone ; 
Bid each vanity depart ; 
Build thy temple in my heart. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 81 

March 8. 

The Lord has respect unto Abel, etc. — Gen. iv. 4, 5> 

HERE are two brothers, each bringing an obla- 
tion to the Lord. Cain, as a husbandman, brought 
of the produce of the ground he cultivated ; Abel, 
as a shepherd, some of the firstlings of the flock, 
with the fat of them ; consequently both believed 
that there was a God that made the world, and 
was to be worshiped ; and yet one was accepted 
and the other rejected. Cain's sacrifice was wholly 
eucharistical, or a thank-offering to God for the 
blessings of His providence. Abel's w T as not only 
of the eucharistic, but of the expiatory kind ; and 
while it was an expression of gratitude for the 
blessings of Providence, it was also typical of the 
atonement by Christ, and expressive of His hope 
of redemption through Him ; but what made the 
chief difference between them was, that Cain pre- 
sented his offering while his heart was withheld, 
and without faith in Christ, so was of the wicked 
one. Abel brought forth his person and sacrifice 
an offering to the Lord : he presented his oblation, 
and performed the other parts of worship w T ith 
faith in God, and the promised Saviour, and with 
sincerity, humility, and love. Thus God had re- 
spect to him and his offering ; accepted first his 
person as justified, then his offering ; but neither 
the person nor offering of Cain was accepted. 
Reader, mark the difference ; by this Abel speaks 
to thee : Art thou in a state of acceptance with 
God ? Is thy whole dependence for pardon and 
life on Christ? Dost thou obey from a principle 
of love ? Then thou shalt be blessed with righteous 
Abel here and for ever. 

Oh ! that the I y ord r/ould guide my ways, 

To keep His statutes still ; 
Oh ! that my God would grant me grace 

To know and do His will ! 



82 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 9. 

On that day shall the priests make an atonement for 
you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all 
your sins before the Lord. It shall be a Sabbath 
of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls by 
a statute for ever. The life of the flesh is in the 
blood ; and I have given it to you Upon the altar, 
to make an atojiement for your souls, for it is 
the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 
— Lev. xvi. 30, 31 ; and xvii. 11. 

Our great day of atonement is that on which 
Christ shed His blood for us on the cross, and 
thereby made atonement for us. Now, if it was 
necessary for the Israelites to afflict their souls, and 
chastise their bodies on the great day of atone- 
ment, how much more ought we to pray for hu- 
mility and repentance, as the evidence of our 
interest in the propitiation majie by Christ Jesus ! 
And as they abstained from all labor on that day, 
when the high-priest alone was employed, so should 
we abstain from all our sinful works, and particu- 
larly from all self-sufficiency of righteousness, and 
seek our salvation only in the meritorious blood of 
atonement shed by our High-priest ; for the life of 
our souls is in the blood of Jesus. O my Redeemer, 
may I, with an afflicted soul, ever seek my atone- 
ment, life, and salvation, in thy blood and death ! 
and may I lie down and rise up in a comfortable 
hope that I am pardoned through thy blood, thy 
Spirit bearing witness of it to my conscience ! 

Father, God, who seest in me 
Only sin and misery ; 
See thine own anointed One ! 
Look on thy beloved Son I 

Hear His blood's prevailing cry ; 
Let tlry bowels then reply : 
Then, through Him. the sinner see ; 
Then, in Jesus, look on me ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 83 

March 10. 

By the grace of God I am what I am. — 1 Cor. 

xv. 10. 

Be this my motto, both as to my natural and 
spiritual life ; — how else could I have existed at 
all ? Had not foreknowledge planned, and wisdom 
contrived, and power put every atom together, and 
fixed my scene of action, I had never been here. 
Nor is this God of grace less to be seen in every 
motion of my soul toward Him ; had not every 
spring been in Him, this table on which I lean had 
felt as much bias towards Him as I. The first check 
of conscience, the first thrill of fear, the first view 
of guilt, the first tear of penitence, were all His 
own ; the first drawings of the Spirit, the first sight 
of Christ, the first dawn of hope, were all His own ; 
every succeeding step in the path of duty, every 
attainment in grace, every victory over the world 
and sin, every evidence and token of the safety of 
my everlasting state, and every sweet interval of 
communion I have had with Him, were still all His 
own ; and the last labor of love, the last act of 
faith and conquest over sin, death and hell, together 
with an admission into eternal glory, must and 
shall be all His own likewise. The spring is love ; 
the mean is Christ ; the footing firm ; " the head- 
stone shall be brought forth with shoutings, crying, 
Grace, grace unto it ! " and grace shall be crowned 
with everlasting glory. 

Whate'er I am, whate'er I hope, 
Proceeds from bounty of rich grace ; 

Grace makes and holds my body up, 
And heals my spirit's sickly face. 

Grace taught me first the heavenly road, 
Grace led me on the heavenly way, 

And grace, the boundless grace of God ! 
Shall lodge me in eternity. 



84 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March ii. 

The love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus 
judge, that if one died for all, then were all 
dead; and that He died for all, that they who 
live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, 
but unto Him who died for them, and rose again. 
— 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. 

IF we have the love of God shed abroad in our 
hearts, it will cause us to love God intensely, and 
to love and labor for the salvation of men. And as 
God so loved the world as to give His Son for it, 
and as Christ so loved the world as to give His life 
for it, so we, influenced by the very same love, will 
desire to spend and be spent for the glory of God, 
and the salvation of immortal souls. And if the 
love and power of Christ constrain us, we must 
needs be meditating and relying on Him and His 
death. This will cut off all workings of our own, 
and make room for Christ to work everything 
in us, and through us. O Lord, may thy love on 
the cross fire my frozen heart also ; that I may now 
begin to love and praise thee purely and fervently, 
and to offer my whole life up to thee as an entire 
sacrifice of love. 

Now, sinners dry your tears, 

I,et hopeless sorrows cease ; 
Bow to the sceptre of Christ's love, 

And take the offer'd peace. 

I^ord, we obey thy call ; 

We lay an humble claim 
To the salvation thou hast brought, 

And love and praise thy name. 

Raise your triumphant songs 

To an immortal tune ; 
Let the wide earth resound the deeds 

Celestial grace has done. 

Sing how eternal love 

Its chief Beloved chose. 
And bade Him raise our wretched race 

From sin's destructive woes. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 85 

March 12. 
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy 
might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor 
knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither 
thou goest. — Eccles. ix. 10. 

The business of life is to glorify God, and to work 
out our own salvation ; all other concerns are sub- 
ordinate to these ; "the time is short ; as the tree 
falleth, so it lieth ;" and where death strikes down, 
there God lays out either for mercy or misery ; so 
that I may compare it to the Red Sea ; if I go in 
an Israelite, my landing shall be in glory, and my 
rejoicing in triumph, to see all mine enemies dead 
upon the seashore ; but if I go in an Egyptian — if I 
be on this side of the cloud, on this side the cove- 
nant, and go in hardened among the troops of 
Pharaoh, justice shall return in its full strength, 
and an inundation of judgment shall overflow my 
soul for ever. Or I may compare death to the sleep 
of the ten virgins, of whom it is said, "They all 
slumbered and slept ;" we shall all fall into this 
sleep. Now, if I lie down with the wise, I shall go 
in with the Bridegroom ; but if I sleep with the 
foolish, without oil in my lamp, without grace in 
my soul, I have closed the gates of mercy upon me 
for ever ! I see then this life is the time wherein I 
must go forth to meet the Lord ; this is the hour 
wherein I must do my work ; and the day wherein 
I must be judged, according to my works, is at 
hand. I know not how soon I may fall into this 
sleep ; therefore, Lord, grant that I may live every- 
day in thy sight, as I desire to appear at the last 
day in thy presence. 

Awake, my sluggish soul, 

The heavenh T race to run ; 
Believe and pray, and speed thy way 

For night is drawing on. 



86 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 13. 
Sin is a reproach to any people. — Prov. xiv. 34. 

Be not deceived, therefore, with false notions of 
faith. Where there is true faith, no sin has domin- 
ion. Sin will be ever stirring, often raging, and 
sometimes prevailing ; but never reigning where 
true faith is. A believer, through a strong and 
sudden temptation, may be captivated by sin, but 
lie is no willing captive ; he hates sin, and prays 
and watches against it ; and as faith increases, his 
power over sin increases too, and the image of God 
waxes brighter in his heart. A man having no 
feeling of the desperate wickedness of his heart, 
may imagine he has faith enough ; but being once 
convinced of that, he soon perceives that it is the 
hardest thing in the world to believe ; it requires 
the same power hy which Christ was raised from 
the dead. St. Paul most emphatically describes it 
with six remarkable words (Eph. i. 19, 20). How 
then can any man think it an easy matter to be- 
lieve ? Oh ! the dreadful blindness and security 
which all the world runs into ! May the Lord open 
their eyes ! 

Lord, how secure my conscience was, 

And felt no inward dread ! 
I was alive without the law, 

And thought my sins were dead. 

My hones of heaven were firm and bright | 

But since the precept came 
With a convincing pow'r and light, 

I find how vile lam! 

I'm like a helpless captive, sold 

Under the pow'r of sin ; 
I cannot do the good I would, 

Nor keep my conscience clean. 

My God, I cry with every breath 

For thy kind pow'r to save, 
To break the yoke of sin and death, 

And thus redeem the slave ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 87 

March 14. 

At the commandment of the Lord the children of 
Israel journeyed^ and at the commandment of 
the Lord they pitched ; and in the place where 
the cloud abode, there the children of Israel 
pitched their tents. A?id when the cloud tarried 
long upon the tabernacle many days, then the 
children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, 
and journeyed not. — Numb. ix. 17-19. 

Thus the spiritual Israelites ; they ought not to 
undertake anything from their own will, lest con- 
fusion and disappointment should encompass every 
path. The unconverted are full of their own will ; 
how should they succeed ! They are bewildered 
here, and run into perdition eternally. Sometimes 
the faithful may, with a good design, when they 
are engaged in a good work, outrun the will of 
God. and not wait for His counsel. And yet the 
Israelites journeyed not, though the cloud tarried 
many days, and they might imagine they were 
losing time on their journey. Oh ! my God", grant 
that in all things, even in my best works, I may be 
guided by thine eye, and wait for thy counsel with 
a resigned temper. May I speak or be silent, work 
or rest, when and as thou wilt. Then shall my 
ways be blest, and thou wilt never leave me nor 
forsake me. And may I remember that God guides 
the way of His saints by a merciful dispensation of 
His providence ; and in that dispensation He pro- 
portions the burden to the back that is to bear it ; 
and that He " tempers even the blast to the shorn 
lamb."' 

My God, the steps of pious men 

Are ordered by thy will ; 
Tho' they should fall, they rise again, 

Thy hand supports them still ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 
March 15. 

In Him was life ; and the life was the light of men. 
— John i. 4. And this is the record, that God 
hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in 
His Son. — 1 John v. ri. I am the light of the 
world; he that follow eih vie shall not walk in 
darkness, bid shall have the light of life. — John 
viii. 12. 

Whatever notional knowledge men niay have 
of Divine truths, as they are doctrinally proposed 
in the Scripture, yet if the}' know them not in their 
respect unto the person of Christ, as the foundation 
of the counsels of God ; if the}' discern not how 
the}' proceed from Him, and centre in Him, they 
w T ill bring no saving spiritual light unto their 
understandings ; for all spiritual life and light is in 
Him, and from Him alone. The difference between 
believers and unbelievers as to knowledge, is not so 
much in the matter of their knowledge, as in the 
manner of knowing. Unbelievers, some of them, 
may know more, and be able to say more of God, 
His perfections and will, than many believers ; but 
they know nothing as they ought, nothing in a 
right manner, nothing spiritually and savingly, 
nothing with a holy, heavenly light. The excel- 
lency of a believer is not that he hath large appre- 
hensions of things, but that what he doth appre- 
hend, which may, perhaps, be very little, he sees it 
in the light of the Spirit of God, in a saving, soul- 
transforming light. And this is that which gives 
us communion with God, and not prying thoughts, 
or curious- raised notions. In this knowledge, Lord, 
give me to increase every day ! 

Dear Lord, anoint my head and heart, 
And light and life bestow on me ; 

Light that will Gospel truth impart, 
And life to make me live to thee ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 89 

March 16. 

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirm- 
ities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. — 
Rom. xv. 1. Considering thyself, lest thou also 
be tempted. — Gal. vi. 1. Who art thou that 
judgest another man' s servant. — Rom. xiv. 4. 

Extraordinary quickenings and strengthen- 
ings, being often followed by particular temptations, 
conflicts and sufferings, require a particular watch- 
fulness, if we would be earnest not to provoke the 
Lord to visit us with sore punishments for our care- 
lessness. Fear, therefore ; rejoice with trembling ; 
and as a needful means to secure thyself from fall- 
ing, temper thy joy with true humility and gentle- 
ness toward the faults of others. Be never so high- 
minded, O man, at the miscarriages of others, as to 
think thou wouldst not do so should it happen to 
be thy case ; for if God does not hold thee up him- 
self, thou wilt surely make greater mistakes. There- 
fore, thou hadst better not look upon others, but 
upon thyself ; and for fear of falling, be continually 
watchful in prayer. A great many would not have 
fallen so deep had they been truly humble, and 
more charitable in judging of others. He who 
exalteth ^himself above others, and does not bear 
with the weak, is sometimes humbled and debased 
under the very weakest of all. Bear, therefore, 
since God bears with thee ; and he that bears most 
with others, shews the greatest strength. 

Jesus, Lord, we look to thee ; 
Let us in thy name agree ; 
Kach to each unite, endear, 
Come and spread thy banner here. 

Make us of one heart and mind, 
Courteous, pitiful, and kind, 
Lowly, meek in thought and word, 
Altogether like our Lord. 



90 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

EXARCH 17. 

Thou art my rock and my fortress ; therefore \ for 
thy name's sake, lead vie and guide me. — Ps. 
xxxi. 3. They shall come with weeping, and 
with supplications will I lead them : I will 
cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a 
straight way, wherein they shall not stumble ; 
for I am a father to Israel. — Jer. xxxi. 9. 

He that comes in this manner will certainly be 
led of God. Now, O Lord, I am blind, and heartily 
desire to be directed by thee alone in all my ways 
and steps, in great and in little things. Suffer me 
never to follow my own spirit and natural inclina- 
tions, whatever good appear auce they may have. 
Be pleased to cross them continually whenever they 
are contrary to thy will. Often have I been de- 
ceived by false appearances already ; my zeal has 
not always been according to knowledge ; I have 
put natural passion in the place thereof, and thought 
I was contending for the faith once delivered to the 
saints, and have afterward found it no better than 
the effects of a party spirit. Be then a father to 
me, O Lord, and instruct thy waiting child in all 
necessary truths, and lead me in all thy righteous 
wa3's ! 

Thou art my portion, O my God ! 

And Christ my living way : 
Incline nry heart to keep thy word, 

And on my Christ to stay. 

I would be always wholly thine ; 

Oh ! save thy servant, Lord ! 
Thou art my shield, my hiding-place ; 

My hope is in thy word. 

Thou hast inclined this heart of mine 

Thy statutes to fulfill ; 
And thus, till mortal life shall end, 

Would I perform thy will ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 91 

March 18. 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind 
is stayed on thee ; because he trusteth in thee. 
Trust ye in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord 
fehovah, is everlasting strength. — Isa. xxvi. 3, 4. 
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may 
make peace with me ; and he shall make peace 
with me. — Chap, xxvii. 5. 

IvKX us get the Divine favor, and we will be at 
peace, and have happiness in our own souls, and 
then shall good come unto us. The peace which. 
God gives is a peace of unutterable happiness. In 
it is contained all the blessings of the Gospel of 
Christ. Let us search well our own hearts, and see 
if we have that peace ; and let us do it now, for we 
know not what a day may bring forth. But to 
enjoy this undisturbed peace, great care must be 
taken that we do not look and depend upon any- 
thing in ourselves, since all is but imperfect, and 
ever will be so. We are to trust only in the Lamb 
of God which takes away the sin of the world, to 
feed our souls continually on this Gospel of peace, 
and be ever seeking Him by diligent prayer, watch- 
ful, faithful, quiet and humble ; for we never lose 
anything of our peace, except it is stolen by some 
pride or other unguarded affection. 

Hence from my soul, sad thoughts, begone. 

And leave me to my joys ; 
My tongue shall triumph in my God, 

And make a joyful noise. 

Darkness and doubts had veiled my mind, 

And drown'd my head in tears, 
Till sovereign grace, with shining rays, 

Dispell' d my gloomy fears. 

Oh ! what immortal joys I felt, 

And raptures all Divine, 
When Jesus told me I was His, 

And my Beloved mine ! / 



92 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 19. 

Thy Maker is thy husband ; the Lord of Hosts is 
His name. The ransomed of the Lord shall re- 
turn^ and come to Zion with songs, and everlast- 
ing joy upon their heads. — Isa. liv. 5 ; xxxv. 10. 

When Cyrus took the king of Armenia, and his 
son Tigranes, and their wives, and children prison- 
ers, and, upon their humble submission, beyond 
all hope, gave them their liberty and their lives — 
in their return home, as they were all commending 
Cyrus — some for his personage, some for his power, 
some for his clemency, Tigranes asked his wife, 
'" What thinkest thou of Cyrus ? is he not a comely 
and a proper man, of a majestic presence" — 
<( Truly, " said she, " I know not what manner of 
man he is ; I never looked upon him." "Why," 
said he, " where were thine eyes all the while? 
upon whom didst thou look?" — "I fixed mine 
eyes," said she, "all the while upon him (meaning 
her husband) who, in my hearing, offered to Cyrus 
to lay down his life for my ransom. " Thus, if any 
question the devout soul — once indeed captivated 
by the world, but now enamored of Christ, her 
heavenly Bridegroom — whether she is not charmed 
with the riches, pleasures, and gayeties of the world? 
— her answer is, that her e}-es and her heart are 
now fixed on a nobler object, even on Him who 
not only made an offer, like Tigranes, to die in her 
stead, but actually laid down His life to ransom 
her ; and as her dear Bridegroom is now in heaven , 
her looks are after Him, and she can esteem noth- 
ing on earth in comparison of Him. 

Sweet the moments, rich iu blessing, 

Which before the cross I spend ; 
X,ife, and health, and peace possessing, 

From the, sinner's dying Friend. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 93 

March 20. 
Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, 
neither shalt thou have any part among them: 
I am thy part and thine inheritance. — Numb. 
xviii. 20. 

Whoever loves and possesses the Lord Jesus, 
finds unspeakably more delight, honor and riches 
in Him, than in all other things. He is the precious 
burden of their cares. All is willingly denied for 
His sake, and this denial springs from faith. Now, 

Lord, thou art the All I need to make me happy, 
— the only inheritance that can supply my every 
want ; and to draw near to thee is my greatest joy ! 

1 desire to love thee evermore, and to shew that 
love by keeping thy commandments ; and I pray 
that a sweet sense of thy love to me may become 
my daily portion, and my only bosom treasure ; 
and that I may be enabled to adopt the language of 
the Psalmist as my own, " Whom have I in heaven 
but thee ? and there is none upon the earth that I 
desire 'besides thee ; thou art the strength of my 
heart and my portion for ever " (Ps. lxxiii. 25, 26). 

Beset with snares on ev'ry hand, 
In life's uncertain path I stand ; 
Saviour Divine ! diffuse thy light, 
To guide my doubtful footsteps right. 

Engage this roving, treach'rous heart, 
Great God, to choose the better part ; 
To scorn the trifles of a day 
For joys that none can take away. 

Then let the wildest storms arise, 
Let tempests mingle earth and skies ; 
No fatal shipwreck shall I fear, 
But all my treasure with me bear. 

If thou, my Jesus, still art nigh. 
Cheerful I live and cheerful die ; 
Secure when mortal comforts flee. 
To find ten thousand worlds in thee ! 



94 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 21. 
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for 
we k?iozv not what we should pray for as we 
ought ; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession 
for us. — Rom. viii. 26. 

"God is a Spirit ; and they that worship Him, 
must worship Him in spirit and in truth. ? ' God 
hath many worshipers on particular occasions, 
who cannot be called spiritual worshipers. Take, 
for instance, the prayers of wicked men under their 
convictions, or their fears, troubles and dangers, 
and the prayers of believers : — the former is merely 
an outcry that distressed nature makes to the God 
of it, and as such alone it considers him ; but the 
other is the voice of the Spirit of Adoption, address- 
ing itself from the hearts of believers unto God as a 
father. Woe to professors of the Gospel, who shall 
be seduced to believe, that all they have to do with 
God consists in their attendance upon moral virtue ; 
it is fit for them so to do who, being weary of Chris- 
tianity, have a mind to turn Pagans ; but ' ' our 
fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus 
Christ," under the promised working and interces- 
sion of the Spirit ; for by them alone are the love 
of the Father, and the fruits of the mediation of the 
Son communicated unto us, without which we have 
no interest or comfort in them ; and by the influ- 
ences of the Spirit alone we are enabled to make 
any acceptable returns of obedience to God. To 
exclude the internal operations of the Holy Ghost, 
is to destroy the Gospel. 

Spirit of wisdom, grace, and pow'r ! 

Of prayer and faith the quick'ning spring ! 
With Father, Son, we thee adore, 

And Holy, holy, holy, sing ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 95 

March 22. 
Now they strive to obtain a corruptible crown, but 
we an incorruptible. — 1 Cor. ix. 25. For he that 
overcometh shall inherit all things. — Rev. xxi. 7. 

To be only an almost Christian, is a very hard 
thing ; but to be a Christian altogether, makes all 
easy and pleasant ; and such as desire to have the 
whole Christ, His whole salvation, and all this is 
His, must needs give themselves up to Him, not 
only in part, but wholly, according to that funda- 
mental and most reasonable rule, "All for all ;'* 
and as far as we deny Him anything, we make our- 
selves unhappy ; but the more we are resigned to 
Him, the more we are fit to enjoy Him and His 
spiritual blessings. 

Many would sooner be persuaded to follow Christ, 
if it was allowed to serve Him by halves, and re- 
serve some things to themselves. But what could 
that profit them? Christ will not be bargained 
with ; and nothing is more dangerous than the 
dividing our hearts between Him and the world, or 
waiting from time to time for a more convenient 
season to break through. Thus you may live many 
years, and be neither cold nor hot ; and so at last 
be spewed out of the Lord's mouth. Consider 
this well, O ye double-minded, luke-warm souls ! 
Christianity requires great striving, and overcoming 
all things, even our most favorite and darling lusts. 
Rouse, therefore, thy drowsy heart — spare thyself 
no longer — rise above the trifles of this world — fight 
the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal 
life, whereunto thou art called. 

Take away my darling sin ; make me willing to be clean ; 
Make me willing to receive what thy goodness waits to give \ 
Force me, Lord, with all to part ; tear all idols from my 

heart ; 
Let thy pow'r on me be shewn ; take away the heart of stone. 



96 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 23. 
A new commandment I give anto you. That ye love 
one another ; as I have loved you, that ye also 
love one another. — John. xiii. 34. 

IT is a precept of the Levitical law, " Thou shalt 
love thy neighbor as thyself " (Lev. xix. 18). But 
this commandment of Christ's was something more 
than the Mosaic precept. It is added, "as I have 
loved you." Christ loved His neighbor more than 
himself, for He laid down His life for men. And 
in this He calls upon all His disciples to imitate 
Him. But this is not the only one of His com- 
mandments that enjoins brotherly love ; all the 
commandments of God are commandments of love, 
tending to our real good and great happiness ; far 
from being grievous to those who have faith and 
love, the practice thereof is life and peace. The 
world may think it a grievous burden ; but this is 
a great mistake indeed. Sin is grievous. In hatred, 
envy, anger, revenge, pride, there is nothing but 
torment and slavery ; but in love there is a sweet 
rest and pleasure. Thus a sinner always punishes 
himself, and is robbed of great peace and blessing, 
by transgressing the commandments of God. 

Saviour, look down with pitying eyes, 

Our jarring wills control ; 
Let cordial, kind affections rise, 

And harmonize the soul. 

Subdue in us the carnal mind, 

Its enmity destroy ; 
With cords of love th' old Adam bind, 

And melt him into joy. 

Us into closest union draw, 

And in our inward parts 
Let kindness sweetly write her law ; 

Let love command our hearts. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 97 

March 24. 
One thing is needful, etc. — Luke x. 42. 

WE must not pretend to serve God with only 
going to church and doing other acts of outward 
devotion ; whilst we are dead and cold, our religion 
is vain. Who first, by faith, seeks grace from the 
words of Christ, like Mary, is served by Christ ; and 
this constrains him to serve Christ and his neighbor 
readily again. It is almost impossible for such to 
go on in haughtiness, envy, hatred and disobedi- 
ence. Grace and faith will resist it, and make them 
lowly, gentle, willing, obedient, active, without 
relying on any works of their own. He that obtains 
Christ, the one thing needful, receives with Him all 
the rest, and has no more need to be troubled about 
many things. He being our All, we ma}^ always 
live happily ; whereas tne children of this world 
must always be cumbered and divided between 
fears and hopes about their fate. In vanity we 
shall never find this good part ; neither is there any 
salvation in the works of the law. Faith alone 
takes hold of it ; and whoever withdraws his heart 
and senses from the noise and bustle of this world, 
who quickly looks for salvation through the blood 
and righteousness of Christ, will certainly find it 
his better part. 

The one thing- needful, that good part 
That Mary chose with all her heart, 
I would pursue with heart and mind, 
And seek unwearied till I find. 

O Lord, my God, to thee I pray, 
Teach me to know and find th*e way 
How I may have my sins forgiv ; n, 
And safe and surely get to heaven. 

Hidden in Christ the treasure lies, 
That goodly pearl of so great price ; 
No other way but Christ there is 
To endless happiness and bliss. 



98 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 25. 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Hide 
thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine 
iniquities. — Ps. li. 7, 9. Though your sins be as 
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. — Isa. i. iS. 

LET us ever have our sins before our faces (Ps. li. 
3). Let us remember that the eye of God is con- 
stantly upon us ; and that, as He looketh not on 
the outward, but on the inward parts, His purity 
and His justice will be highly incensed. With a 
just horror, then, of our transgressions, let us beg 
God to turn away His face from them — to blot them 
all out as a thick cloud. Let us come and do this 
freely, and let us come daily. We must not keep 
away from Christ on account of our stumblings and 
manifold faults. This would cast us under the law 
again, and bind us under condemnation ; but we 
should humble ourselves directly before God, and 
seek earnestly for pardon through the blood of 
Christ. The longer we delay this, the worse our 
cause will grow ; and the sooner it is done, the 
sooner we shall have forgiveness. The Lord not 
imputing those sins to us which are sincerely 
repented of, our soul returns to its rest again ; and, 
instead of falling into carnal securit}- (as some may 
think), it will rather strengthen our faith, and 
make us more watchful. Hasten, therefore, and 
come as soon and as well as thou canst. He will 
receive thee if thou canst but creep. 

O Lord, I fall before thy face ; 

My only refuge is thy grace ! 

No bleeding beast, nor flood, nor sea, 

Can wash the dismal stain away. 

Jesus, my God, thy blood alone 

Has pow'r sufficient to atone ; 

Thy blood can make me white as snow ; 

No Jewish type could cleanse me so. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 99 

March 26. 

Christian's Prayer : — Deliver us from evil. — Matt. 
vi. 13. 

Divine Answer : — Fear not ; for I have redeemed 
thee ; I have called thee by thy name ; thou art 
mine. When thou passest through the waters, 
I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they 
shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest 
through the fire, thou shall not be burnt ; neither 
shall the flame kindle upon thee. — Isa. xliii. 1, 2. 
Christ has, by His own blood, once entered into 
the holy place, having obtained eternal redemp- 
tion for us. — Heb. ix. 12. 

This precious redemption is the foundation of 
our present deliverance, and will finally produce 
an everlasting deliverance from all evil. He who 
hates and detests not only the evil of punishment, 
but of sin itself, and, consequently, pants after 
Jesus, both for His love and for His likeness — such 
a one hath faith already, and sin has lost its domin- 
ion over him. And though he may be tempted 
with it severely, yet he is under the law no more ; 
for the reigning power of sin being broke, the law 
has lost its condemning power also ; we are deliv- 
ered from the power of the evil one, and we may be 
sure of a continual, nay, eternal redemption. We 
may often feel the evil, but by prayer and watch- 
fulness be as often delivered from it also. 

Thy solemn vows are on me, I^ord ; 

Thou shalt receive my praise ! 
I'll sing, *' How faithful is thy word ! 

How righteous all thy ways I" 

Thou hast secured my soul from death. 

Oh ! set thy prisoner free ! 
That heart, and hand, and life, and breath, 

May be employed for thee ! 

Assist me while I wander here, 

Amidst a world of cares ; 
Incline my heart to pray with love, 

And then accept my prayers. 



too THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 27. 

Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee. — 2 Tim. 
i. 6 ; Ps. liii. 3 ; 2 Sam. vii. 18, 28. 

How can this be done ? Answer : By looking as 
well upon thy own great poverty and wants, as 
upon the riches of grace which is in Christ for thee, 
and so drawing near to God through Him in faith ; 
but it is not enough to do this once for all, or now 
and then only. It is to be thy daily work. One 
day's omission may greatly hurt thy soul. Espe- 
cially the morning hours are very proper for this 
purpose. These must directly be laid hold on to 
converse with God in prayer, before we meddle with 
anything else in our business, though ever so need- 
ful and important, for fear of being entangled and 
distracted perhaps the whole day ; and to gather 
the whole strength, draw as near to Christ as pos- 
sible, and even wrestle w T ith Him, as if it were the 
last time ! Pour out thy whole heart before Him — 
not giving over too soon ; out be instant in thy 
supplications, at least T~ith continual inward groan- 
ing, till thy heart burn within thee, and thou feel 
the quickening influence of His grace and Spirit. 
Then great care is to be taken to preserve this 
blessing and strength in a quiet and well- composed 
mind, examining thyself frequently, especially at 
nights, how the day has been spent ; and be not 
put off with a slight answer. 

I'll lift m3 T hands, I'll raise my voice, 
While I have breath to pray or praise ! 

This work shall make my heart rejoice, 
And spend the remnant of my days. 

Of Him who did salvation bring-, 

I could for ever think and sing ; 
When with His name I'm charm'd in song, 

I wish mvself all ear and song. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. ior 

March 2S. 

For every one that useth milk is unskilful hi the 
word of righteousness ; for he is a babe. — Heb. 
v. 13. 

The Apostle, with some severity of expression, 
tells the Hebrews, or converted Jews, to whom he 
wrote, that instead of being capable of strong meat, 
or attaining to the perfection of Christian doctrine, 
and being skilful in the word of righteousness, they 
chose to continue babes in knowledge ; and, like 
children, had all their work to begin again. It is, 
therefore, a matter of the greatest importance to 
know what that word of righteousness is, in which 
they were unskilful, not having their senses exer- 
cised to discern between good and evil, truth and 
error. Let it only be observed, that they were 
looking back to the law, and consequently in dan- 
ger of returning to it for justification , and thus fall- 
ing from the doctrine of grace. The design of this 
epistle was to keep them steadfast in the faith ; and 
it will appear at once, that the righteousness which 
they were ignorant of, or ready to reject, is that of 
Christ, "who, by one offering," the finishing act 
of His obedience, ' ' hath perfected for ever them 
that are sanctified" (Heb. x. 14). How many, at 
all times, who have the name and appearance of 
well-grown Christians, are just such babes as the 
Hebrews were, and have the same need to be told 
that they are unskilful in the word, reason, or 
ground of a justifying righteousness, and exhorted 
to go on to perfection in Christian doctrine, as well 
as to further degrees of Christian holiness ! 

L,ord, I unskilful am, 

A babe in knowledge yet ! 
I sip the milk of thy sweet Word, 

But ask for stronger meat. 



102 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 29. 

For our Gospel came not unto you in word only^ 
but also in power, — 1 Thes. i. 5. 

By the Gospel, the Son of God and Divine truths 
are revealed to us ; and by the Spirit they are 
revealed in us. External revelation by the Word, 
and internal by the Spirit, are both necessary to 
salvation. Though Paul was separated from his 
mother's womb to be called by the grace of God, 
yet he had not an inward revelation of Jesus Christ 
in his heart till he heard the external word of Christ 
with his ear saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest 
thou me ?" (Acts xi. 4). Hence learn to prize both 
the outward testimony of the Word, and the inward 
testimony of the Spirit. The Gospel is a revelation 
of Jesus Christ, without which we could never have 
known that our sins are atoned for by the blood, 
our persons justified by the righteousness, and our 
souls everlastingly saved by the work of Christ ; but 
is this knowledge all that is necessary to salvation ? 
No ! persons may attain a notion of these things in 
the head, and understand somewhat of them, and 
yet the heart be without precious faith in Christ, 
destitute of the love of Christ, and of any saving 
hope in Him. Professor, look well to it ; many 
have said, Lord, Lord, and have heard Christ 
preach in their streets, who little expected to meet 
with this rebuff from Him, "I know not whence 
ye are ; depart, ye workers of iniquity !" Many 
heard the Gospel preached in Thessalonica ; but 
they alone were blessed to whom it came ' ' with 
power, and in the Holy Ghost, and with much 
assurance. ' ' 

The Gospel is like sun and shower, 
If once the Spirit seals the word, 
It comes with truth, and conies with power, 

And will both light and life afford. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 103 

March 30. 
To reveal His Son in me. — Gal. i. 16. Flesh and 
blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my 
Father which is in heaven. — Matt. xvi. 17. 

Hknck begins our spiritual life ; a life proceed- 
ing from God, and holding communion with God, 
and tending to the glory of God ; the honor and 
happiness of our souls ariseth from this revealing 
of Christ in us. Oh ! for the reviving comfort of 
this while we consider it ! To reveal Christ in us, 
is to make such a clear discovery of the matchless 
charms and glory of His person to our souls, as we 
never saw before ; so that our hearts are enamored 
with Him, we choose Him, love Him, delight in 
Him, and cleave to Him in all His offices and char- 
acters ; for by the eye of our soul we then behold 
His glory — the glory as of the only-begotten of the 
Father, full of grace and truth to us miserable sin- 
ners ; hence He is the only-beloved of our souls. 
Without this revelation of Jesus Christ in us, alas ! 
what is all outward profession? No more than 
mere talk, dry formality and heavy drudgery. O 
my soul ! O my dear friends ! be not content to 
live without a constant revelation of Christ to your 
souls ! This makes the conscience peaceful, the 
heart heavenly, and the soul happy. This inspires 
love, subdues lust, captivates the affections, makes 
the whole man happy in God, and creates heaven 
in the soul. If Christ be within the heart, all will 
be right and well without in the life. If you 
believe Christ as revealed in the Word, this blessed 
promise is for you : " I will manifest myself unto 
him " (John xiv. 21). 

Great God, thy Scriptures will impart 
The Saviour to my list'ning ear ; 

Yet, oh ! reveal Him in mine heart ! 
And let me feel His presence there ! 



104 THK .GOLDEN TREASURY. 

March 31. 

The blood of Jesus cleans eth us from all sin. — 

1 John i. 7. 

Whatever we do of ourselves, in answer to our 
convictions, is a covering, not a cleansing ; and if 
we die in this condition, unwashed, uncleansed, 
unpurified, it is utterly impossible that we should 
be admitted into the blessed presence of the holy 
God (Rev. xxi. 7). Let no man deceive you with 
vain words. It is not the doing a few good works, 
it is not an outward profession of religion, that will 
give you an access with joy unto God. Unless you 
are washed from your actual transgressions in "the 
blood of Christ, and cleansed from the pollution of 
your nature by the Spirit of God, you shall not 
inherit the kingdom of God ; yea, without this 
washing you will be a horrible sight unto saints and 
angels — to yourselves, and to one another, when 
the shame of your nakedness shall be made to 
appear. If, therefore, you would not perish, and 
that eternally ; if you would not perish as base 
defiled creatures, an abhorring unto all flesh, then, 
when your pride, and your wealth, and your beauty, 
and your ornaments, and your duties, will stand 
you in no stead, look out betimes after that only 
way of purifying and cleansing your souls which 
God hath ordained : " Without shedding of blood 
there is no remission " (Heb. ix. 22). "The blood 
of Jesus cleanseth from all sin." "Ye were not 
redeemed with corruptible things ; but with the 
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without 
blemish and without spot" (1 Peter i. 18, 19). 

No works of ours, the most or best, 

Can wash a conscience clean ; 
The blood of Christ, our great High Priest, 

Will only cleanse from sin ! 



^f§§te*^ 



Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, 
as silver and gold, but with the precious Blood 
of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and 
without spot. — i Peter i. 18, 19. 



Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
the sin of the world. — John i. 29. 

// shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud 
over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in 
the cloud. 



And the bow shall be in the cloud ; and I 
will look upon it, that I may remember the 
everlasting covenant between God and every 
living creature of all flesh that is upon the 
earth. — Gen. ix. 14, 16. 



(105) 



106 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Aprii, i. 

/ do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a 
token of a covenant between me and the earth. — 
Gen. ix. 13. 

The rainbow is a token of the covenant of pre- 
servation made with Noah, and with all the crea- 
tures of the earth ; it is fixed and sure ; it may be 
considered also as an emblem of the covenant of 
grace (Isa. liv. 9, 10); or rather, it may be an em- 
blem of Christ Himself (Rev. x. 1) as appears in 
many particulars. When we are apt to fear being 
overwhelmed by the rain, Jehovah shews this seal 
of His promise that we shall not. Thus He removes 
our fears, when we weep for sin, and are afraid of 
a flood of wrath, by reminding us of the Covenant 
of Grace established in Jesus. The thicker the 
cloud, afterward the brighter the bow in the cloud ; 
so when afflictions abound, consolations do much 
more abound. The bow appears when one part of 
the sky is clear ; which intimates mercy remem- 
bered in the midst of wrath. The rainbow is caused 
by the refraction of the beams of the sun ; so all 
the glory of the Covenant of Grace and the signifi- 
cance of the seals, are derived from Christ, the Sun 
of Righteousness. The bow speaks terror ; but this 
is without string or arrow, is directed upward, and 
not to the earth. God looks upon the bow to re- 
member His covenant ; so should we, that we may 
be mindful of the Covenant of Grace with faith and 
thankfulness. 

Christ's open arms like rainbows stand, 

To grasp and save a guilty land ; 

Oh ! take me, I^ord, within thy bow, 

And all its glories sweetly shew. 

My darkened mind with light divine, 
Irradiate from that bow of thine ; 
And may my soul thy covenant keep, 
And heaven's eternal glories reap. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 107 

April 2. 
God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is cru- 
cified unto me, and I unto the world. — Gal. vi. 14. 
Whatever others may do, or whatever they may 
exult or glory in, God forbid that I should exult, 
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in 
the grand doctrine of justification and sanctification 
through Him. And what else could I exult or 
glory in ? for a true believer has nothing to glory 
in but Christ alone. Even in his very best per- 
formances he will be often deeply humbled and cry 
out, "Lord, enter not into judgment!" — and well 
he may ; for the ground of our glory, comfort and 
salvation is not in works, but in Christ, and the 
free grace of God ; who, for His Son's sake, lays 
nothing to our charge, but daily covers and richly 
pardons all our iniquities. And thus believers, 
walking steadily, might always be kept in solid 
peace ; for the Cross of Christ is a solid and un- 
shaken foundation. 

When I survey the wondrous cross 
On which the Prince of Glory died, 

My richest gain I count but loss, 
And pour contempt on all my pride. 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 
Save in the cross of Christ my God : 

All the vain things that charm me most, 
I sacrifice them to His blood. 

His dying crimson, like a robe, 
Spreads o'er His body on the tree ; 

Then I am dead to all the globe, 
And all the globe is dead to me. 

Were the whole realm of nature mine, 
That were a present far too small ; 

IvOve so amazing, so Divine, 
Demands my soul, my life, my all. 



io8 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 3. 
Purifying their hearts by faith. — Acts xv. 9. 

By faith in the Son of God we get an interest in 
His great and glorious salvation ; we are justified 
by faith ; we have peace with God by faith. This 
is an excellent grace, which brings us out of a state 
of slavery and sin, into the liberty of the sons and 
daughters of God, and will issue in everlasting sal- 
vation. Faith purines the heart of man, naturally 
\icious, and unites us to Christ, the root of all holi- 
ness. Now, reader, examine yourself whether you 
be in the faith. Try the tree by its fruits. Ask 
yourself these questions : Has my faith a purifying 
influence on niy heart ? Does "the view of Christ 
dying for my sins make me die unto them ? Has 
my faith in Christ, as wounded for my transgres- 
sions, and bruised for my iniquities, made me 
bitterly lament them, sincerely hate them, and 
seek the death of every one of them ? Though 
there maybe still sin in me, is there none allowed ? 
Is there none, no, not one ; no, not that sin which 
does most easily beset me, which I desire to be 
spared and excused in ? Do I rather look upon all 
sin as the enemy of Christ and my own soul, and, 
as such, do I hate it with a perfect hatred ? Am I 
praying fervently for Divine grace to subdue it? 
and in the strength of that grace, do I maintain a 
constant and vigorous war with it, determined 
never to give it any rest in my heart, never to 
cease my conflict with it, till I have gained the 
complete and everlasting victory ? Then thou art 
upright, go on and prosper ! 

That faith to me, O Lord, impart. 
Which, while it bringeth peace, 

Will daily purify my heart, 
And bring in holiness. 



THE GOLDKN TREASURY. 109 

April 4. 

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root. 
Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of 
the world with fruit. — Isa. xxvii. 6. They shall 
again take root downward , and bear fruit up- 
ward. — Chap, xxx vii. 31. They shall bring forth 
fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourish- 
ing. — Ps. xcii. 14. Her leaf shall be green, and 
shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither 
shall cease from yielding fruit. — Jer. xvii. 8 % 

The evangelical Christians look upon themselves 
as barren trees, ever crying out, "Oh! my lean- 
ness ! my leanness !" Even before the judgment- 
seat of Christ, they acknowledged no fruits, nor 
will plead them, though they have been fruitful 
(Matt. xxv. 37-39). The reason is, they are poor 
in spirit, and are not pleased with their fruits, but 
only with Christ. Grant, O Lord, that I may 
earnestly seek to bring forth fruits, and may grow 
in fruitfulness as I grow in years, and never cease 
from yielding fruit ; hereby proving myself to be a 
tree of the Lord's planting, whose leaf is green, and 
whose branches are flourishing and fruitful ! Yet 
bless me also with deep poverty of spirit, that I may 
see myself still nothing, having nothing of my own 
to glory in, or to justify me ; and thus esteem 
Christ my All, and rest upon Him wholly. 

Lord, 'tis a pleasant thing to stand 
In gardens planted by thy hand. 
Let me within thy courts be seen, 
Like a young cedar, fresh and green. 

There grow thy saints in faith and love, 
Blest with thy influence from above. 
Time, that doth all things else impair, 
Still makes them flourish strong and fair. 

Laden with fruits of age, they shew 
The Lord is holy, just, and true. 
None that attend His gates shall find 
A God unfaithful or unkind ! 



no THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 5. 

The breaker is come up before them ; they have 
broken up, and have passed through the gate ; 
and their King (as the Author and Finisher of 
faith) shall pass before them, and the Lord on 
the head of them. — Micah ii. 13. Be of good 
cheer, I have overcome the world, — John xvi. 33 ; 
Heb. xii. 1, 2. 

Sometimes the enemy seems to get an advantage 
over us ; but the battle is not over yet. At last thou 
shalt have the victory, and earn- the day for all 
that. In hard struggles remember the power of 
Christ, who, in His resurrection, broke through 
everything. With Him thou canst also break 
through, and be more than conqueror. Yea, in 
every conflict, if thy faith be firm, thou canst be 
sure of victory beforehand ; for faith engages 
Christ's power, and His power ensureth victory. 
It is as impossible for thine enemies to keep thee 
always in bonds, as it was impossible that Christ 
could be kept in the grave by the stone, seal and 
keepers. Nay, the greater their force is, the more 
glorious will be the victory of Christ over them. 

Hosarma to our conq'ring King 

The Prince of Darkness flies. 
His troops rush headlong down to hell, 

Like lightning from the skies. 

There, bound in chains, the lions roar, 

And fright the rescued sheep ; 
But heavy bars confine their power 

And malice to the deep. 

Hosanna to our conqu'ring King 

All hail, incarnate love ! 
Ten thousand songs and glories wait 

To crown thy head above ! 

Thy victories and thy deathless fame 

Thro' the wide world shall run, 
And everlasting ages sing 

The triumphs thou hast won. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. in 

Aprii, 6. 

Can two walk together except they be agreed ? 
— Amos iii. 3. 

They must be agreed in heart, in affection, in 
will, in their inclinations and pursuits, or they 
cannot walk together in any mutual confidence 
and comfortable communion. ' ' What communion 
hath light with darkness ? and what concord hath 
Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that 
believeth with an infidel?" (2 Cor. vi. 15). We 
cannot walk with Jesus without a living union with 
Him, a hearty love to Him, and a holy delight in 
Him ; nor can He walk with us on any other prin- 
ciples. We cannot walk with each other without 
mutual love. A living union with Jesus, cemented 
and sealed by His Holy spirit, is the only bond of 
union and agreement between Christians, whereby 
they can walk together, to the honor of God and 
their own benefit. Alas ! how much it is to be 
lamented that those who, through grace, are thus 
united, should be so visibly shy of each other, 
because they differ in lesser matters. O my dear 
Saviour ! help me to be more agreed with thee, and 
to walk more closely with thee, and in more real 
affection and love with all those who are really 
thine, to the praise and glory of thy grace ! Amen 
and Amen ! 

May the grace of Christ our Saviour, 
And the Father's boundless love, 

With the Holy Spirit's favor, 
Rest upon us from above ! 

Thus shall we abide in union 

With each other and the IyOrd, 
And possess in sweet communion, 

Joys which earth cannot afford. 

Love is the golden chain that binds 

The happy souls above, 
And he's an heir of heaven who finds 

His bosom glow with love. 



H2 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 7. 

Let your moderation be know?i unto all men, — Phil. 
i v « 5 ; f or Charity (that is, love) edifieth. — 1 Cor. 
viii. 1. 

IF thou rebukest others, and wouldst have them 
to be like thee, thou oughtest to examine thyself 
first, whether it flows from a blind party-zeal, im- 
patience and self-will, or from a true principle of 
love ; and whether thou art also much in prayer 
for them, both before and after. He who lays the 
long-sufferings of the Son of God truly to heart, 
and considers how gently He has treated him, and 
still treats him like the weakest child, must needs 
be moderate also toward all men, and think, "If 
nobody would bear with others, surely I must." 
Lord, give me the right spirit of meekness, to shew 
all lenity to my fellow-Christians, to bear with their 
infirmities and weaknesses, and in everything to 
ascribe the blame to my own wicked and perverse 
heart. Keep me, O Lord, from pride and vain 
conceit, that stirreth up to boldness in the works of 
the flesh, and that engendereth strife. Let the 
meek and the lowly mind of the holy child Jesus 
dwell in me : and through it let my moderation be 
known unto all men ; for charity edifieth. 

Watch o'er my lips, and guard them, Lord, 
From ev'ry rash and heedless word ; 
Nor let my feet incline to tread 
The guilty path where sinners lead. 

Oh ! ma}- the righteous, when I stray, 
Smite and reprove iny wand' ring way ; 
Their gentle words, like ointment shed, 
Shall never bruise, but cheer iny head ! 

When I behold them pressed with grief, 
I'll cry to Heav'n for their relief ; 
And b}- my warm petitions prove 
How much I prize their faithful love. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 113 

Aprii, 8. 

David's Prayer : — Put thou my tears into thy bottle; 
are they not in thy book ? — Ps. lvi. 8. 

Divine Answer: — They that sow in tears shall 
reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, 
bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. — 
Ps. cxxvi. 5, 6. 

Beuever, if thou art now reaping in joy, if thou 
hast a heart full of gladness and art singing hymns 
of triumph, be thankful, for few have attained to 
such a state of assurance and happiness ; but re- 
member that this work belongs more to the next 
world than the present. Here weeping and rejoic- 
ing follow each other — weeping for thy sad subjec- 
tion to sin, Satan, the world and the flesh— rejoicing 
for the victories Christ is giving thee over them. 
However strong be thy faith, sorrow will oft find a 
lodging in thy bosom ; for there is no retreat from 
the field of battle ; and thine enemies will not leave 
thee while thou hast a breath to draw. Let this be 
a check to impatience. Let it humble thee in the 
sight of the Hoty One of Israel, the Lord thy 
Redeemer. It is indeed needful to be humbled 
under a sense of thy misery so as to sigh, groan 
and weep often ; and this is the true seed for eter- 
nity. This is the precious seed which the Lord 
requires you to bear, and which going forth bearing 
while engaged in the Christian warfare, you shall 
return from the field of battle, ladened with a rich 
harvest of glory, into Immanuel's peaceful land. 
Not a* single tear or groan will be lost ; they are all 
in the book of the Lord. 

Let those who sow in sadness, wait 

Till the fair harvest come ; 
They shall confess their sheaves are great, 

And shout the blessings home. 



H4 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April. 9. 

The Lord hath heard my supplication. He will be 
a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of 
trouble. And they that know thy name will h ust 
in thee ; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them 
that seek thee. The needy shall not always be 
forgotten : the expectation of the poor shall not 
perish for ever. — Ps. vi. 9 ; ix. 9, 10, 18. See also 
Ps. iii. 4 ; xxxi. 1, 7 ; xci. 14, 15 ; xii. 5. 

Whoever would receive comfort from these 
words, must first be sensible of his poverty and 
misery, and shew it by confessing his sins, and 
feeling nothing in himself but helplessness and 
unworthiness. He must come with all his poverty 
to a rich Saviour, and daily entreat His mercy, 
carefully remembering that the Lord has promised 
to supply all our wants, however great our poverty 
and misery may be ; therefore, beware of unbelief, 
and do not suspect the Lord's kindness, but seek to 
Him, and hope in Him, and expect all good things 
from Him ; assuring thyself that neither thy hope, 
nor thy prayer, nor a single sigh of thine will be lost. 
O my God ! grant me faith to say, The Lord heareth 
my supplication ! the Lord receiveth my prayer ! 
Praised be God, who hath not rejected my prayer, 
nor turned away His goodness from me, but is my 
protector and hope. 

My best desires are faint and few, 

I fain would strive for more ; 
But when I cry, " My strength renew," 

Seem weaker than before. 

Thy saints are comforted, I know, 

And love thy house of prayer ; 
I therefore go where others go, 

But find no comfort there. 

Ch ! make this heart rejoice or ache, 

Decide this doubt for me, 
And if it be not broken, break, 

And heal it if it be. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 115 

Aprii, 10. 

Christian's Prayer : — Lead its not into temptation, 

—Matt. vi. 13. 
Divine Answer : — God is faithful \ who will not 

suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able ; 

but will with the temptation also make a way to 

escape, that ye may be able to bear it, — 1 Cor. x. 

13. Ps. lxvii. 3. 

The nearer to heaven, the higher the mountains, 
the deeper the valleys, and the sharper the conflicts. 
But be not discouraged ; it is only for the trial of 
our faith. God gives also more strength, carries us 
through all, as He has done from the beginning, 
and suffers none to be ashamed who trust in Him. 
Sometimes we may seem to be tempted above 
measure, and are afraid of being confounded ; but 
far from it. It is quite impossible we should. Here 
thou hast the plain words of the Lord. Take hold 
on them, and wait His time ; for since the world 
stood, none have been confounded in anything who 
have waited for His promise ; and surety He will 
not make thee the first instance of the failure of 
His Word. By no means (Phil. i. 10 ; Isa. liv. 10), 
1 \ Rather shall the mountains depart, and the hills 
be removed, says the Lord, that hath mercy on 
thee." 

Our God, how firm His promise stands, 

E'en when He hides His face ! 
He trusts in our Redeemer's hands 

His glory and His grace. 

Then why, my soul, these sad complaints, 

Since Christ and we are one ? 
Thy God is faithful to His saints ; 

Is faithful to His Son. 

Beneath His smiles my heart has lived, 

And part of heaven possest. 
Oh ! praise His name for grace received, 

And trust Him for the rest. 



n6 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April ii. 

David's Prayer : — Oh ! satisfy us early with thy 
mercy. — Ps. xc. 14. 

God's Answer -.—Open thy mouth wide, and I will 
Jill it. — Ps. xxxi. ic. For my people shall be 
satisfied with my goodness. — Jer. xxxi. 14. 
river of God is full of water. — Ps. lxv. 9. With 
joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of sal- 
vation. — Isa. xii. 3. This is the Fountain opened 
for sin and for tincleanness. — Zech. xiii. 1. 

O MY soul, keep close to the Gospel. There 
only is a fullness to supply all thy wants — food for 
the hungry, and raiment for the naked soul ; and 
everything in plenty. Whoever will may come and 
be fed and clothed, without money, and without 
price. Therefore let not the law hinder thee from 
eating and drinking, rejoicing and adorning thyself 
in a Gospel manner. The law, as one justly ob- 
serves, brings in a great bill, but nothing where- 
with to discharge it. It sets the soul a-working, 
but so as to neglect the proper nourishment neces- 
sary for it. No wonder, therefore, that she is desti- 
tute of sufficient strength — that she faints, and 
never comes to the right mark. There is no such 
thing as making amends by the law. We must go 
directly to Christ, and receive first the grace and 
strength required, out of His fullness, by faith. 

Let ev'ry mortal ear attend, 

And ev'ry heart rejoice ; 
The trumpet of the Gospel sounds 

With an inviting voice. 

Rivers of love and mercy here 

In a rich ocean join ; 
Salvation in abundance flows. 

Like floods of milk and wine. 

Dear God, the treasures of tlry love 

Are everlasting mines ; 
Deep as our helpless mis'ries are, 

And boundless as our sins. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 117 

Aprii, 12. 

Fear not, daughter of Zion.— John xii. 15. But 
greatly rejoice and shout, O daughter of Jerusa- 
lem, behold thy King comes wito thee ; He is 
just, and having salvation. — Zech. ix. 9. The 
King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of 
thee; thou shall not see evil any 'more. — Zepli. 
iii. 15. See also Isa. liv. 12 ; Jer. xv. 19. 

Though Satan be endeavoring to bind his chains 
fast about thee — though thy heart quake and be 
ready to fail for the many sins that encompass it — 
though destruction and death be in thy way, yet 
fear not — " Behold thy King cometh ;" trust Him, 
He will restrain, He will defend. How strong 
soever thine inward enemies— thy corruptions — may 
be now, fear not, and be not discouraged. Thy 
King is bound, by His office, love and promise, to 
help thee with strength to overcome. Even the 
hardships of a Christian work together for His good 
in this world, and brighten His crown of glory in 
the world to come. Too oft, instead of casting and 
laying a burden upon the Lord by faith at once, we 
parley with temptation and undertake to heal our- 
selves by a thousand false contrivances, the effect 
of which is, to make a conflict long that might 
have been short (2 Chron. xvi. 7-9). Lord, give 
me grace to be watchful, and to keep on the armor 
of faith, that as I pass from conflict to conflict, I 
may pass on conquering and to conquer, daily 
pressing forward and experiencing Jesus every hour., 
my mighty King and Saviour. 

Rejoice, the I^ord is King, 

Your I^ord and King adore, 
Mortals, give thanks and sing, 

And triumph evermore. 
He sits at God's right hand, 

Till all His foes submit, 
And bow to His command, 

And fall beneath His feet. 



.Ii8 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 13. 

Thou shalt not be afraid of them ; but shalt well 
remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pha- 
raoh, and all Egypt. — Deut. vii. 18. Be ye not 
terrified because of them, for the Lord your God 
is He that goes with you, to fight for you against 
your enemies, to save you. — Chap. xx. 5, 4. 
Hitherto shalt thou come, and no farther, and here 
shall thy proud waves be stayed. — Job xxxviii. 11. 

The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of 
many waters ; yea, than the mighty waves of the 
sea (Ps. xciii. 4). He controls the strength of 
nations, and the most powerful empires are as 
grasshoppers in His sight. Those, therefore, who 
trust in Him have nothing to fear. Shall we not 
then seek for His strength to overcome the assaults 
of sin ; for let us remember, the assaults of original 
sin will ever return ; and we must not be surprised, 
when one conflict is over, that another arises. This 
contest is unavoidable, for the enemy is within us. 
It makes us more careful and humble to know this, 
than if we believe that we had only to encounter 
with sin from without and not from within. And 
if we desire to feel less evil in us than God suffers 
us to have, we may be assured, this desire proceeds 
either from pride, seeking to glory in our own 
righteousness, or from an impatient wish to get rid 
of the trouble of striving always against sin ; 
whereas it should be enough for us that God suffers 
it, lays it not to our charge, and carries us through 
all dangers. 

Let the redeemed of the Lord 
The wonders of His grace record. 
Israel the nation which He chose. 
And rescued from their mighty foes. 
He feeds and clothes us all the'way ; 
He guides our footsteps lest we stray 
He guards us with a powerful hand, 
And brings us to the heavenly land. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 119 

April 14. 

Verily thou art a God that hi d est thyself , O God 
of Israel, the Saviour. — Isa. xlv. 15. All the 
paths of the Lord are mercy arid truth. — Ps. xxv. 
10. The Lord of Hosts is wonderful in counsel, 
and excellent in working. — Isa. xxviii. 29. O 
Lord, hoii great are thy works ! and thy thoughts 
are very deep. — Ps. xcii. 5. 

God is wonderful in all His doings ! His ways 
are past finding out ! At the end we can see best 

the wise and gracious steps He took with us ; there- 
fore, when things take such a wonderful turn that 
we are quite at our wit's end, and do not know 
which way to go, we may believe the hand of the 
Lord is in it. and some good will come of it at last. 
As we experience the name of Christ to be wonder- 
ful at such times, we may well expect that He will 
shew Himself to be our Counsellor and mighty God 
also. At first, everything may seem to be against 
us and go quite contrary ; but, at last, we see 
plainly that it was highly needful it should go con- 
trary to our corrupt nature, and that thus it went 
well" ; for though the ways of God are marvelous, 
yet they are glorious. 

God moves in a mysterious way 

His wonders to perform ; 
He plants His footsteps in the sea. 

And rides upon the storm. 

Deep in unfathomable mines 

Of never-failing skill. 
He treasures up His bright designs, 

And works His sovereign will. 

judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 

But trust Him for His grace ; 
Behind a frowning providence 

He hides a smiling face. 

K:s purposes will ripen fast, 

Unfolding every hour ; 
-The bud may have a bitter taste, 

But sweet will be the flower. 



120 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Aprii, 15. 

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. — Ex. 
xx. 8. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. — 
Rev. i. 10. 

READER, may God bless this meditation to thy 
soul ! Perhaps thou art a careless sinner, who has 
trifled with Sabbaths. Oh ! do not profane the 
Lord's day any more ; but if thou valuest thy soul, 
attend upon His worship, and desire to be " in the 
Spirit on His day;" then wilt thou see and feel 
thy malady ; look to Jesus for pardon, and Sabbath 
days will become precious to thy soul. Perhaps 
thou art a self-righteous Pharisee, punctual in out- 
ward services ; so far is praiseworthy ; but awful is 
thy mistake, if thou makest any outward service 
the ground of thy acceptance, especially as the lan- 
guage of the day is, " In the Lord have I righteous- 
ness and strength ;" and so wilt thou say, if "in 
the Spirit." Or thou mayest have been a splendid 
professor, but now a grievous backslider. Oh ! 
may thou be "in the Spirit on the Lord's day !" 
then thou wilt look to God for pardon, to Jesus for 
fresh sprinklings of His blood, and to the Spirit for 
His quickening influences. If thou art a believer 
under sharp trials, mayest thou be "in the Spirit ;" 
then, when tribulations abound, consolations may 
abound also. If thou art a believer walking close 
with God, rich in knowledge and experience, thou 
wilt wish to be "in the Spirit," that grace may be 
magnified, Jesus more loved, and His name more 
honored. Reader, whatever thou art, if thou 
wishest to be " in the Spirit," and wouldsthave thy 
temporal and spiritual concerns prosper, make 
conscience of keeping the Sabbath day holy. 

The Sabbath is designed, I know, 

To train my soul for heav'n ; 
Then let me keep and think it too 

The best of all the seven. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 121 

April 16. 

Nehemiah's Prayer : — Remember me, O my God, 
for good. — Neh. xiii. 31. 

Divine Answer : — Is Ephraim my dear son ? is he 
a pleasant child? For since I spake against 
him, I do earnestly remember him still; therefore 
my bowels are troubled for him : I will surely 
have mercy upon him. — Jer. xxxi. 20. 

"O my God, have mercy upon me!" is the 
prayer of every true penitent ; and as soon as that 
prayer ascends to God, scented with the odor of 
faith, God hears it, and He keeps a bottle for the 
tears which produced it. Grant, Lord, that I may 
be enabled daily to offer this prayer ; and grant me 
to bear steadily in mind, that as soon as I appear 
with my prayers before the Lord, He writes all my 
petitions in His book of remembrance. Should I 
not pray much ? Yes, O Lord ! and though I have 
many things already in thy book, yet will I give 
thee occasion to write down more and more every 
hour. Thus, nothing can be forgotten ; all will be 
granted by Him. Delays we must expect ; but all 
shall be made up with so much the larger gifts in 
due time, though the best will be reserved for a 
blissful eternity. 

Now let the Lord my Saviour smile, 
And shew my name upon His heart ; 

I would forget my pains awhile, 
And in the pleasure lose the smart. 

Dear Lord, imprint upon my breast, 
And in the book of life my name ; 

I'd rather have it there impress'd 
Than in the bright records of fame. 

When the vast fire burns all things here, 
Those letters shall securely stand, 

And in the Lamb's fair book appear, 
Writ by the eternal Father's hand. 



122 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Aprii, 17. 
And in this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts 
make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast 
of wines on the lees ; of fat things full of 'mar- 
row ', of wines on the lees well refi7ied. — Isa. xxv. 
6. See also Ps. xxiii. Matt. viii. 11. 

A FEAST bespeaks plenty, harmony and joy. 
Many feasts were appointed under the law, in com- 
memoration of various deliverances and mercies. 
The Gospel appoints one great perpetual festival, 
in consequence of the one grand blessing, which 
comprehends all other mercies — " Redemption by 
the blood of Christ." The table is always spread, 
the company are always welcome, the season is 
always pleasant, and the joy is always new. Lord, 
I once was feeding upon husks, upon ashes, upon 
the wind, and drinking down iniquity like water ; 
but, oh ! wonderful love ! thou didst invite and 
bring me to thine own feast ! Thou feedest me 
with the bread of life, and causest me to drink of 
the wine of thy consolation. May I never more 
have an appetite for the vanities of the world ; but 
may I always have the Lord for my Shepherd, 
leading me by green pastures, and by the still 
waters ; and may I, from sitting at His table in this 
wilderness, rise and go to sit at that table which is 
forever spread in heaven, at which Abraham, 
Isaac and Jacob are guests ; and where Jesus, my 
Redeemer, is forever present. 

Why was I made to hear thy voice, 

And enter while there's room. 
When thousands make a wretched choice, 

And rather starve than come ? 

'Twas the same love that made the feast, 

That sweetly forced us in ; 
Else we had still refused to taste, 

And perished in our sin. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 123 

Aprie, 18. 

He believed in the Lord ; and He counted it to him 
for righteousness. — Gen. xv. 6. Rom. iv. 5. 

IT is no uncommon thing in Scripture to put the 
act for the object, especially with regard to faith 
and hope. Thus hope signifies the object of hope 
(Jer. xiv. 9 ; 1 Tim. i. 1 ; Heb. vi. 18). And faith 
is often put for the object or doctrine of faith, or 
that which is believed in ; as when it is said, Paul 
preached the faith which once he destroyed ; and 
Felix heard him concerning the faith of Christ ; 
and when the Scripture speaks of keeping and 
contending for the faith. Thus, when Abraham is 
said to believe in the Lord, the meaning is, he 
believed in the promise of God, that he should 
have a seed, and a very numerous one ; he believed 
that the Messiah would spring from his seed ; he 
believed in Him as his Saviour and Redeemer ; he 
believed in Him for righteousness ; and he believed 
in His righteousness as justifying him before God. 
It was not the act of his faith, but the object of it ; 
not the promise he believed, but what was prom- 
ised, and his faith received even Christ and His 
righteousness. See this explained fully in Rom. 
iv. 3, 10, 22-24. Reader, mark well how Abraham 
was justified before God— not by faith as a work,, 
but as apprehending Christ ; and follow this exam- 
ple of the father of the faithful. It is by faith in 
Jesus Christ alone that we can be justified before 
God ; by faith all the Old Testament saints were 
justified, as well as the New. This distinguishes 
the Christian religion from all systems of morality : 
and to err in this, is to err in the fundamentals of 
Christianity. 

Give me the faith which can remove 
And sink the mountains to a plain ; 

Give me the child-like praying love 
Which longs to build thy house again. 



124 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 19. 

This do in remembrance of me. — Luke xxii. 19. 

Come, my soul, obey th}^ dying Lord's command ! 
Xet it be thy delight, as it is thy privilege, to 
attend thy Master at table, to take a near review of 
His bleeding love, and, by a renewed act of faith, 
obtain a fresh taste and renewed pledge of the 
precious benefits contained therein. Stagger not 
through unbelief. It is a blessed truth. Jesus died 
for sinners — this is the foundation of a sinner's 
hope. Let this encourage thee, O my soul ! — thou 
art a sinner, guilty and defiled ; ' Jesus' blood 
cleanses from all sin ; He is the fountain opened 
for thy uncleanness ; — thou art by nature a child of 
wrath, condemned by the Law, exposed to the 
curse ; but Jesus was made a curse for thee ; — thou 
art unrighteous, unholy ; but Jesus is made of God 
unto thee righteousness and sanctification ; thou art 
weak, beset with enemies ; His strength shall be 
perfected in thy weakness, and thou, by faith, shall 
ibe more than conqueror through Him that loved 
thee. Thou art afraid of perishing at the last ! 
look to Jesus ; He purchased thee with His blood ; 
He will not give thee up ; none can pluck thee out 
of His hand. Rise, then, O my soul, and come to 
the banquet of love, and partake of the blessings of 
the everlasting covenant ; beseech the Lord to 
manifest His love, and seal thy pardon, renew thy 
strength, and enable thee to travel the remaining 
part of the pilgrimage, till thou come to Mount 
Zion, and be admitted a welcome guest at the mar- 
riage supper in heaven. 

I thank thee, O my dying Lord, 

For thine appointed feast ; 
Vouchsafe to meet me at thy board. 

And smile upon tin- guest. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 125 

ApriIv 20. 
/ write unto you, little children, because your sins 
are forgiven you for His name's sake; to you, 
fathers, because ye have known Him that is from 
the beginning; to you, young men, because you 
have overcome the wicked one. — 1 John ii. 12, 13. 

God has more communion with some of His 
saints than others. Out of the multitude He chose 
twelve, out of the twelve He chose three, and out 
of the three He chose John to be His peculiar 
darling and bosom favorite, of whom it is said five 
times in St. John's gospel, that " he was the disci- 
ple whom Jesus loved.'* So now at this day, God 
hath His babes, who live upon milk, and nothing 
else . He 4 ' has children also, ' ' who know their 
Father, and are assured of His love ; moreover, He 
" has His young men, who go out to war, and fight 
the Lord's battles victoriously ;" and He has 
"fathers in Israel," who abound in gray-headed 
experience and wisdom ; for they knew Him from 
the beginning, and they remembered His words. 
It is a great mercy to be one of God's " little ones," 
yea, the least of all ; to be a star, though not of the 
first magnitude ; to be a disciple, though not one 
of the three, nor one of the twelve, nor one of the 
seventy ; but to be a John, a darling, and to lean 
on His breast, to lie in His bosom, oh ! how great a 
mercy ! It is a mercy to be new-born, to be taken 
into the family of God and household of faith ; but 
to grow up to a perfect stature, to be a man in 
Christ Jesus, oh ! how great a mercy ! Lord, thou 
knowest my desire, perfect that which concerns thy 
servant. 

It doth not yet appear how great we must be made ; 

But when we see our Saviour there, we shall be like our 

Head. 
We would no longer lie like slaves beneath the throne : 
My faith shall Abba, Father, cry, and thou thy kindred own. 



126 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Aprii, 21. 
Take thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest y 
and get thee into the land of Moriah ; and offer 
him there f 07' a burnt-offering. — Gen. xxii. 2. 

Abraham desired earnestly to see into the mys- 
tery of redemption ; and God let Abraham fee" by 
experience, something of the depth of that mystery. 
" Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, the staff 
of thine age, the hope of thy family, and offer him 
up for a burnt-offering ; and in this transaction see 
my love to sinners, in giving up my only Son Jesus 
a sacrifice for them." Abraham obeyed ; he virtu- 
ally sacrificed his son ; a ram was substituted in his 
place, and blessings were poured upon the faithful 
patriarch. In the whole story we have a lively 
type of greater things. We have seen the day 
when God spared not His own Son ; when He was 
bound with cords ; when He bore His cross, and on 
this mountain, probably on this very spot, was 
offered up an offering for sin ; when He, trium- 
phant over the grave, rose again to live for ever- 
more, and saw His seed, even His redeemed people, 
whom no man can number, and whose possessions 
are the glories of eternity. My soul, think on these 
things. Art thou a son of Abraham ? Is there in 
thine heart a darling sin ? Draw forth the knife 
and smite it away. Hath God not spared His Son 
for me, and shall I spare what He commands me 
to sacrifice ? Xo ! gracious Saviour, no ! Help 
me to keep back nothing from thee. Search my 
heart, and when thou hast tried me, crown the 
faith thou hast bestowed, and the obedience thou 
hast wrought, with that unfading glory thou hast 
promised to the faithful. 

I thank, thee, Father, for the gift 

Of thy beloved Son ; 
Now bid me give nryself to thee, 

And live to thee alone. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 127 

April 22. 
God who is rich in mercy \ for His great love where- 
with He loved us, even when we were dead in 
sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by- 
grace ye are saved ;) and hath raised us up to- 
g ether, and made us sit together 'in heavenly 
places in Christ Jesus. — Eph. ii. 4-6. 

Christ being the head of the body, His Church, 
all who are His real members, are, together with 
Him, dead, buried, raised up, and seated in 
heavenly places ; for He is the new Adam, and has 
done all these things as our representative, in our 
stead, and for our good. Therefore a true believer 
may rejoice and say, "I have suffered in thee, O 
my glorious head, for all my sins already. I am 
discharged. I have no punishment to fear any 
more respecting the guilt and curse of sin. Thou 
hast fully answered the charge against me, satisfied 
the infinite justice of God for me, and it is impos- 
sible, with its equity and love, to require a double 
payment of my debts : consequently, I die no 
more ; nay, I live already, and have my place with 
thee eternally in heaven, since the head cannot, 
nor will ever part even with the weakest of His 
members, but influence and draw them after Him 
wherever He goes." 

O Lord, we praise thee for thy Son, 
Who joined our nature to His own ; 
Adam, the Second, from the dust 
Raises the ruins of the first. 

By the rebellion of one man, 
Through all the seed the mischief ran ; 
And by one man's obedience now. 
Are all his seed made righteous too. 

Where sin did reign and death abound, 
There have the sons of Adam found 
Abounding life ; their glorious grace 
Reigns through the Lord our Righteousness, 



128 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 23. 

God has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no 
sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of 
God in Him. — 2 Cor. v. 21. To him that work- 
eth not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the 
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 
— Rom. iv. 5. See also Gen. xv. 6. 

These are very sweet and precious words to 
those who look upon their own best virtues and 
performances by nature as sinful, and upon their 
Ibest condition by grace as extremely weak and im- 
perfect. How comfortable a thing is the justifica- 
tion of the penitent by faith, when the soul is first 
stripped quite naked before God, and thoroughly 
convinced of its wickedness and weakness ! A 
mere moral man does not meddle with this. He 
pretends to make amends for his former sins, by 
altering his course, and doing better works ; but 
this is not making amends at all, since we are but 
unprofitable servants, and want continually forgive- 
ness of sin, even when we have done all. There is 
but one w T ay to be justified, and to obtain and pre- 
serve the blessing of a good conscience, which is by 
humbling and confessing ourselves guilty, and look- 
ing only for forgiveness and righteousness in Christ. 
Thus we are made by Him the righteousness of God 
itself. May the Lord put us all in this way ! 

No more, my God, I boast no more 

Of all the duties I have done ; 
I quit the hopes I held before, 

To trust the merits of thy Son. 

Oh ! yes, I must and will esteem 
All things but loss for Jesus' sake ; 

Oh ! may my soul be found in Him, 
And of His righteousness partake ! 

The best obedience of my hands 
Dares not appear before thy throne 

But faith can answer thy demands, 
By pleading what my Lord has done. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 129 

A PRii, 24. 
God has exalted Christ Jesus with His right hand, 
to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repent- 
ance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. — Acts v. 
31. Unto you first, God, having raised up His 
Son Jesus, sent Him to help you, in turning away 
everyone of you from his iniquities. — Acts iii. 26. 

Say not, What reason have I to repent ? I am 
no murderer or robber ; for thou art both. By thy 
sins thou hast murdered the Son of God, and by 
thy pride robbed God of His due service ; there- 
fore, if thy old heart be not changed into a new 
one, and yet thou feelest some uneasiness about 
thy salvation, do not look on this concern as a fit 
of the vapors, or as a temptation of the devil ; but 
believe it is the work of Christ, who now awakes 
thee from the sleep of sin, and offers thee repen- 
tance ; and who will change thy heart, and make 
thee a new man, if thou canst yield up thyself unto 
Him : " He stands at the door and knocks, and 
says, If any man hear my voice and open the door, 
I will come in to him and sup with him " (Rev. 
iii. 20). 

Now Christ will ev'ry want supply, 

And fill our hearts with peace ; 
He gives, by cov'nant and by oath, 

The riches of His grace. 

Our hearts, that flinty, stubborn thing 

That terrors cannot move, 
That fears no threat'nings of His wrath, 

Shall be dissolv'd by love. 

There shall His sacred Spirit dwell, 

And deep engrave His law. 
And ev'ry motion of our souls 

To swift obedience draw. 

Thus will He pour salvation down, 

And we shall render praise ; 
He'll bless the people of His love, 

And we'll adore His grace. 



130 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 25. 

God is not a God of confusion. — 1 Cor. xiv. 33. 
He has made everything beautiful in its season. 
Also y no man can find out the work that God 
maketh from the beginning to the end. — Eccles. 
iii. 11. 

O Lord, I am like a little child, knowing neither 
the beginning nor end of my ways. I daily go in 
a strange path, the sides whereof are vanity, and 
the end destruction. I see not my way in it, yet 
my wicked heart tells me not to leave it. One 
pleasure after another bids me stay, yet the sweets 
thereof I never taste. I am weary of it ; it is a 
perplexing path. But thou, who art the Wonder- 
ful Counsellor, make it my only wisdom to be 
advised and ruled by thee. Oh ! shew me, then, 
always thy way in all things, even in the least, that 
I may never miss to do thy work in due season and 
due order. Make me such a faithful steward, as 
not to go one inch from thy will, but on all occa- 
sions to act and suffer according to thy pleasure. 

Whither, oh ! whither shall I fly, 

But to my loving Saviour's breast, 
.Secure within thy arms to lie, 

And safe beneath thy wings to rest. 

1 have no might t' oppose the foe ; 

But everlasting strength is thine. 
Shew me the wa3 r that I should go ; 

Shew me the path I should decline. 

Which shall I leave, and which pursue? 

Thou only my Adviser be ; 
My God, I know not what to do ! 

But, oh ! mine eyes are fixed on thee. 

Foolish, and impotent, and blind. 

Lead me a way I have not known ; 
Bring me where I my heaven may find 

The heaven of loving thee alone ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 131 

Aprii, 26. 

Now He who stablisheth us with you in Christ, 
and hath anointed us, is God ; who hath also 
sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit 
in our hearts. — 2 Cor. i. 21, 22. But ye have 
an unction from the Holy one, and ye know all 
things. — 1 John ii. 20. 

A SENSIBLE joy of faith, and great delight in 
prayer, are not the only evidences of this earnest 
and sealing of the Spirit ; these sometimes are 
wanting when we know we are sealed by these 
marks — namely, when we receive Christ in all His 
offices, and have a sincere desire to do the will of 
God in all things ; when we love the ordinances of 
Christ, and regard the children of God with a 
brotherly affection, and seek to do them good ; 
when we hate sin, and watch and pray against it ; 
and, lastly, when we are poor in spirit, vile in our 
own eyes, and are led into further acquaintance 
with Christ himself, and with His Gospel, by the 
Spirit. These are constant marks even for the 
weakest. 

Wii}*- should the children of a King 

Go mourning all their days ? 
Great Comforter, descend, and bring 

Some tokens of thy grace. 

Dost thou not dwell in all thy saints, 

And seal the heirs of heaven ? 
When wilt thou banish my complaints, 

And shew my sins forgiven ? 

Assure my conscience of her part 

In the Redeemer's blood ; 
And bear thy witness with my heart, 

That I am born of God. 

Thou art the earnest of His love, 

The pledge of joys to come ; 
And thy soft wings, celestial Dove, 

Will safe convey me home. 



132 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Aprii, 27. 

Christian's Prayer: — God be merciful to me a sinner. 
— Luke xviii. 13. Look upon mine afflictio?i and 
my pain, and forgive all my sins. — Ps. xxv. 18. 

Divine Answer : — The Lord is gracious, and full of 
compassion, and of great mercy; the Lord is good 
to all, and His tender mercies are over all His 
works. — Ps. cxlv. 8, 9. My son, be of good cheer; 
thy sins are forgiven thee. — Matt. ix. 2. 

Justification, or remission of sins before the 
tribunal of God, and the comfortable assurance of 
it in the heart, do not always go together. The 
pardon is passed in heaven at once, and in the most 
perfect manner ; yet the sense of it may be want- 
ing ; for the assurance of that pardon is mostly 
given by degrees, as believers are able to receive it. 
Feeble glimpses appear now and then ; and many 
love-tokens usually pass between Christ and a be- 
lieving soul, before the Spirit gives a full and clear 
witness to his conscience. Therefore a peniten: 
soul must converse much with the Gospel, and 
pray continually for more light, and a greater 
degree of faith and peace. It must narrowly scru- 
tinize its own feelings and desires, and bring these, 
at all times, to the test of the Bible ; and in this 
work the glimmerings of the dawn of assured hope 
will begin to dispel its darkness. 

O God of mercy ! hear my call ; 

My load of guilt remove ; 
Break down this separating - wall, 

That bars me from my love. 

Give me the presence of thy grace ; 

Then my rejoicing tongue 
Shall speak aloud thy righteousness 

And make thy prafse my song. 

A soul oppressed with sin's desert, 

My God will ne'er despise ; 
An humble groan, a broken hearj, 

Is our best sacrifice ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 133 

Aprii, 28. 

Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee 
the desires of thine heart. — Ps. xxxvii. 4. Cast 
thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain 
thee. — Ps. lv. 22. Commit thy works unto the 
Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. — 
Prov. xvi. 3. 

IF thou desirest to delight thyself only in the 
Lord, and art more solicitous for the increase of 
faith, love and holiness, than temporal happiness — 
and wouldst even part with some earthly good, 
provided it would enlarge thy spiritual welfare — 
this comes not from nature, but is an infallible 
mark of grace and regeneration ; and the Lord 
shall give thee also the desires of thine heart, and 
even more than thou desirest. Nothing can be 
more foolish than to harbor one or more secret 
lusts in our hearts, after we have been once awak- 
ened. We must certainly suffer for it ; our con- 
science will check us ; we cannot enjoy it with half 
the pleasure as before ; our course is hindered and 
our peace disturbed. How much more prudent 
and profitable, then, would it be to forsake all and 
follow Christ straight, who only can satisfy the 
desires of our heart ! Consider this, O my soul ! 
act the wiser part ; let thine eye be single, and 
cleave to Him alone ; while others, seeking to 
serve two masters, God and Mammon, are woe- 
fully disappointed at last ; avoid thou this folly, 
and be wholly for Christ. Thus thou wilt be able 
to taste the kisses of His mouth, and the crystal 
streams of His comfortable and heavenly love. 

Dear Saviour, let thy beauties be 

My soul's eternal food ; 
And grace command my heart away, 

From all created good. 



134 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

April 29. 

Jeremiah's Prayer : — Heal me, O Lord, and I shall 

be healed. — Jer. xvii. 14. 
Divine Answer : — / am the Lord that healeth thee. 

— Exod. xv. 26. They that be whole need not a 

physician, but they that are sick. — Matt. ix. 12. 

/ have seen his ways, and will heal him. — Isa. 

lvii. 18 ; lxi. 1 ; lxiii. 7. 

Christ's healing all bodily sickness, was a token 
of His power and grace to heal all spiritual diseases 
of our souls, though ever so dangerous. There- 
fore, give thyself only up to His care ; He under- 
stands thy distemper also, and will certainly restore 
thee. He has healed a great many already : nay, 
all those who ever desired it, of all their infirmities. 
Thou canst never be too miserable and bad for Him ; 
He is ever willing and able to help. The worse thy 
case is, the more He will pity thee and have 
patience. Before we can be made whole, His way 
is to make us thoroughly sensible of our sickness, 
and lay our wounds more and more open. But, as 
the Physician then is most wanted, we must be the 
more earnest to implore His help, and He will 
surely bind us up again and heal us ; not at once, 
but by degrees ; often slowly and wonderfully, yet 
thoroughly at last ; for He heals all, even the most 
incurable diseases (Ps. ciii. 3). 

Bind up, O Lord, and cheer my soul 

With thy forgiving love ; 
Oh ! make my broken spirit whole, 

And bid my pains remove. 

Let not tliy spirit quite depart, 

^ T or drive me from thy face ; 
Create anew my vicious heart, 

And fill it with thj* grace ! 

Then let my heart with grateful love, 

And grace abounding be ; 
And let thy name all names above, 

Be ever praised by me. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 135 

April 30. 
Confess your faults one to another. — James v. 16. 

IX is related of St. John, the Evangelist, that he 
was once set upon by a company of thieves, 
amongst whom was a young man, their captain. 
To him St. John applied himself, by way of whole- 
some counsel and advice, which took so good 
effect, that he was converted, and went to all his 
fellow-thieves, and besought them, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, to walk no longer in their wicked 
ways. He told them that he was troubled in con- 
science for his former wicked life, and earnestly 
entreated them, as they tendered the welfare of 
their own souls, to leave off their old courses. The 
counsel was good, and well taken, so that many of 
them became converts. Thus one sinner's confession 
of his faults to another, may happily prove the 
conversion of one by the other. Hence that pre- 
cept, " Confess your faults one to another," is thus 
interpreted by some: — That those who have been 
partners together in sin, should go and seriously 
confess their sins each to the other. He that hath 
been a drunkard, or any otherwise a wicked liver, 
let him go to his companions in iniquity, and tell 
them that he is troubled in mind because of his 
former excess, and he may be a mean of converting 
them. Reader, art thou converted? — follow this 
method;— go to thy old companions, warn them of 
their danger, and thou wilt either be a mean of con- 
verting them, or hereby get rid of their troublesome 
company. Again, he who has injured another, 
should confess his fault to that other, as well as to 
God, and beg forgiveness from both. 

If I have wronged my neighbor aught, 

Or led a soul astray, 
Lord, give me grace to own my fault, 

And to amend my way. 



He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : 
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall 
have mercy. — Prov. xxviii. 13. 



:o:-- 



/ acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine 
iniquity have I not hid. 

I said, I will confess my transgressions unto 
the Lord ; and thou forgavest the iniquity of 
my sin. — Ps. xxxii. 5. 



(136) 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 137 

May 1. 

David's Prayer : — Lord, enter not into judgment 
with thy servant. — Ps. cxliii. 2. 

Divine Answer: — Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him 
that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not 
come into condemnation; but is passed from death 
unto life. — John v. 24. See also chap. viii. 51 ; 
Isa. xxv. 8. 

Since the Judge Himself is our Brother, our 
Bridegroom, the Lord of death and life, yea, even 
our life, believers cannot die eternally; because 
4 'they are passed from death unto life." He that 
owns the justice of God's judgment, confesses him- 
self guilty in all things, and appeals from the 
judgment-seat to the mercy-seat, him the Lord will 
own and justify through the righteousness of His 
Son; for "if we would judge ourselves, we should 
not be judged. Nay, we shall even sit in judgment 
together with Christ" (1 Cor. vi. 2). And surely 
in that day we shall not pass a sentence of con- 
demnation on ourselves, much less will Christ; for 
He loves us more than we do ourselves. Oh! let 
us then humble ourselves before God, and come as 
condemned criminals to His seat of mercy, for 
pardon and for grace to help in the time of need. 

Who shall the Lord's elect condemn ? 

'Tis God that justifies their souls ; 
And mercy, like a mighty stream, 

O'er all their sins Divinely rolls. 

Who shall adjudge the saints to hell? 

'Tis Christ that sufifer'd in their stead ! 
And their salvation to fulfill, 

Behold Him rising from the dead. 

Then never shall my soul despair 

Her pardon to procure ; 
Who knows God's only Son has died 

To make her pardon sure. 



138 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 2. 

Jeremiah's Prayer : — Give heed to me, O Lord, and 
hearken to the voice of them that contend with 
me. — Jer. xviii. 19. 

Divine Answer : — Behold, He that keepeth Israel 
shall neither slumber nor sleep. — Ps. cxxi. 4. 
Casting all your care upon God ; for He caret h 
for you. — 1 Pet. v. 7. Cast thy burde?i upon the 
Lord, and He will sustain thee. — Ps. lv. 22. 

Whatever cares and anxieties perplex the peo- 
ple of God, whether they be temporal or spiritual, 
whether they be great or small, they also concern 
God. He knows their afflictions; He knows their 
anxieties. The care of our Lord, which He takes 
for His little ones, infinitely exceeds the care of 
the most tender mother over her weak and helpless 
child. Then, whilst I feel and own myself weak, 
foolish, and wretched, the Lord being the guardian 
of such babes, He will have patience wdth me; for 
they are the vessels of His grace. Knowing myself, 
therefore, to be always a weak and ignorant child, 
I will labor to keep close to Jesus in waiting and 
prayer. And since He is the Minister of the 
Sanctuary, He will never let me want anything 
that is good for me; but will defend me, and feed 
me, and train me up in the best and most suitable 
manner. 

Be thou my counsellor, 

My pattern, and my guide. 
And through this desert land, 

Still keep me near thy side. 
Oh ! let my feet ne'er run astray, 
Nor rove, nor seek the crooked wa} r ! 

Should all the hosts of death, 

And powers of hell unknown, 
Put their most dreadful forms 

Of rage and mischief on, 
I shall be safe, for Christ displays 
Superior power and guardian grace. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 139 

May 3. 

They said unto the woman, Now we believe, not be- 
cause of thy saying, etc. — John iv. 42. If so be ye 
have tested that the Lord is gracious. — 1 Pet. ii. 3. 

IT is an important thing to know assuredly that 
the Scripture has such a witness as experience and 
that there is a real correspondence between the 
saints and the Word, between the believer and 
Christ. This matter lieth out of the common road 
of the world. Sinners not awakened can have no 
experience of this kind; and therefore it is often 
ridiculed by them. But, oh! what an empty thing 
would religion be without experience, and a heart- 
felt knowledge of its truth! Experience is the sure 
and secret mark whereby the Christian knoweth 
the Scripture is of God, and feelethhis own interest 
in Christ; he has been often helped out of a dark 
plunge by the sealing of the word on his heart. 
Oh! what an excellent interpreter is experience! — 
taste and see, for thus the serious Christian getteth 
a view of the Scripture and spiritual things, which 
the most subtle and piercing eye of unsanctified 
schoolmen cannot reach. (Ps. xxxiv. 8, and cxvi. 
10; 2 Tim. i. 12; Gal. ii. 16; Heb. iv. 3.) This 
cannot be found in books; it confoundeth the wise 
and disputer of this world, while the meanest and 
simplest Christian understands it well. Reader, 
press after experience; live not by hearsay — upon 
the comforts of others; but seek to the Lord, that 
He would give thee this inward testimony; it will 
help thee in future trials, remove many of thy fears 
make thy passage through life easy and comfortable, 
and be as a pledge of thy future glory. 

'Tis well to "hear and read the "Word, 

Its truth to see and own ; 
But there must be experience too> 

Or yet thou art undone. 



140 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 4. 

Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, 
and take up his cross daily, and follow vie ; for 
whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; but 
whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same 
shall save it. — Mark viii. 34, 55 ; Luke ix. 23. 
Whosoever he be of you thatforsaketh not all that 
he hath, he cannot be my disciple. — Luke xiv. 33. 

This doctrine is discarded by all who call Christ 
"Lord, Lord, but do not the things which He saith. ' ' 
The language of their heart is, ''Speak unto us 
smooth things, prophesy deceits " 1 Isa. xxx. 10). 
How different was that of the Apostle! "So fight I, 
not as one that beateth the air ; but I keep under 
my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that, by 
any means, when I have preached to others, I 
myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. ix. 26, 27). 
Xo cross, no crown: let us not then be afraid of the 
cross; for when we bear it, it bears us; and when 
we refuse to take it up, we refuse the staff of every 
Christian pilgrim, and the weapon of every Chris- 
tian soldier; we renounce the tree of life for that of 
knowledge, and practically "deny Jesus Christ and 
Him crucified." 

Give me, O Lord, a sober mind. 

A steady, self-renouncing will, 
That tramples down, and casts behind 

The deadly baits of pleasing ill. 

Oh ! for a heart to praise my God, 

A heart from sin set free. 
A heart that always feels thy blood 

So freely shed for me. 

An humble, lowly, contrite heart. 

Believing, true and clean, 
Which neither life nor death can part 

From Him that dwells within. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 141 

May 5. 

What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe 
that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 
— Mark xi. 24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, 
He will give it you. Hitherto ye have asked 
nothing in my name ; ask, and ye shall receive, 
that your joy may be full. — John xvi. 23, 24. 
But ask in faith, nothing wavering ; for he that 
wavereth is like a wave of ihe sea ; let not that 
man think that he shall receive anything of the 
Lord. — James i. 6, 7. 

Herod promised with an oath to give the daugh- 
ter of Herodias whatever she would ask, even to 
the half of his kingdom. How advantageous was 
his promise! but how much more so that of the 
Lord! "By myself have I sworn," says He , "that 
in blessing I will bless thee" (Gen. xxii. 16, 17). 
When He bids us ask, He does not lay us under a 
restriction of not asking above half a kingdom. 
No; we may ask a whole kingdom, even the king- 
dom of heaven, consisting both of grace and glory. 
Both are purchased for us by the blood of the 
Lamb; both promised to believers in the word of 
the Gospel; and both actually bestowed: grace 
upon praying souls in the church militant; glory 
upon praising souls in the church triumphant. If 
now we do not enjoy the kingdom of grace, righ- 
teousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, it is 
merely because we have not asked, or have asked 
amiss; this is, without faith, without patience, or in 
our own name, and not in the all-prevailing name 
of Jesus. 

Faith, mighty Faith, the promise sees, 

And looks to Christ alone ; 
Laughs at impossibilities, 

And cries, it shall be done. 



142 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 6. 

David's Prayer : — O Lord, pardon mine iniquity ; 

for it is great. — Ps. xxv. ir. 
Divine Answer : — Where sin abounded, grace did 

much more abound. — Rom. v. 20. For God will 

abundantly pardon. — Isa. lv. 7. 

IT is all one with God to forgive a repenting sin- 
ner his trespasses, whether great or small, man}' or 
few; for they are all paid with one ransom. No sin 
properly speaking, is little in itself ; and none 
greater than the grace of God, and the infinite 
price laid down for it. Whatever sins, therefore a 
man feels, yet he may throw himself upon the 
abounding grace of God : but this grace must always 
be our comfort, to depend upon it alone, even when 
it is best with us ; for then only it is best with us 
when we depend alone on grace, and live in it as 
in our element. The grace of the Gospel not only 
redeems the soul from death, and quickens it to 
newness of life, but it brings it into a very near rela- 
tionship with God, and fits it for a full participation 
of the eternal glory and blessedness which God has 
in store for those who fear Him. 

Why does your face, ye humble souls, 

Those mournful colors wear? 
What doubts are these that waste your faith, 

And nourish your despair? 

What though your num'rous sins exceed 

The stars that fill the skies ; 
And aiming at th' eternal throne, 

Ivike pointed mountains rise ! 

See here an endless ocean flows 

Of never-failing grace ; 
Behold a dying Saviour's veins 

The sacred flood increase ! 

It rises high and drowns the hills, 

Has neither shore nor bound ! 
Now, if we search to find our sins, 

Our sins can ne'er be found. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 143 

May 7. 

David's Prayer : — Have mercy upon me, O Lord, 
for I am weak. — Ps. vi. 2. And strengthen me 
with strength in my soul. — Ps. cxxxviii. 3. 

Divine Answer : — My grace is sufficient for thee ; 
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. — 
2 Cor. xii. 9. The Lord delights not in the 
strength of a horse ; he takes not pleasure in the 
legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in 
them that fear Him, in those that hope in His 
mercy. — Ps. cxlvii. 10, n. The Lord our 
Strength, mighty God, and Immanuel, will give 
strength unto His people.— -Ps. xxix. 11. 

In whatever part we are weak and most beset by 
corrupted nature, we may yet be strong enough, 
through grace, to come off conquerors ; therefore, 
hope against hope, and despair not of overcoming 
by the power of God, be thy corruptions within, 
and thy enemies without, ever so strong and ob- 
stinate. I am weak, indeed, but Christ is strong ; 
I am poor, He is rich ; I am sick, He is the 
Physician of the sick ; I am a sinner, He is the 
Saviour of sinners ; consequently He suits me, and 
I suit Him extremely well. But let me look to 
Him daily, seek His face earnestly, and grace to 
help in every time of need: 

Let me but hear my Saviour say, 
" Strength shall be" equal to thy day ;" 
Then I rejoice in deep distress, 
Leaning on All-sufficient grace. 

I glory in infirmity, 

That Christ's ownpower may rest on me ; 
When I am weak, then I am'strong, 
Grace is my shield, and Christ my song. 

I can do all things, or can bear 
All sufferings, if my Lord be there ; 
Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains, 
While His kind hand my head sustains. 



144 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 8. 

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? 
By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 
Open thou mine eyes > that I may behold wondrous 
things out of thy law. Remove from me the way 
of lying, and grant me thy law graciously. I 
have chosen the way of truth ; thy judgments 
have I laid before me. Teach me, O Lord, the 
way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the 
end, — Ps. cxix. 9, 18, 29, 30, 33. 

Neither the old nor the young can walk up- 
rightly without taking heed to the Word of God; if 
they depart from that, they soon fall into error and 
vicious courses ; but if they would make the Word 
their rule, they must read it carefully, and pray 
diligently for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. 
If David considered his eyes as shut, how much 
more should w T e consider ours so, and pray, "Open 
thou mine eyes," etc. He w T ho doth not fervently 
pray thus, is still blind, and hath not an eye ; even 
though he should think himself a profound divine, 
and be so esteemed by others. Lord, give me to 
see the wonders both of thy Law and Gospel, 
and turn my feet from every crooked path. Let 
thy commandments be always before me as my 
guide, and enable me to choose the narrow path of 
truth, and steadfastly walk in it to the end ; for this 
was David's request throughout this long psalm. 

How shall the young secure their hearts, 

And guard their lives from sin ? 
Thy Word the choicest rules imparts 

To keep the conscience clean. 

Then teach me, I^ord, the perfect way 

Of thy precepts Divine, 
And to observe it to the end, 

I shall my heart incline. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 145 

May 9. 

David's Prayer : — Teach me thy way, O Lord, and 
lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 
— Ps. xxvii. 11. Teach me thy way, O Lord ; I 
will walk in thy truth : unite my heart to fear 
thy name. — Ps. lxxxvi. it. 

Divine Answer : — Good and upright is the Lord ; 
therefore will He teach sinnei s in the way. What 
man is he that fears the Lord ? Him shall he 
teach in the way that he shall choose. — Ps. xxv. 
8, 12. 

O I/ORD, be pleased to fulfill this gracious promise 
in me also. Thou hast inclined my heart to do thy 
will, and yet I am often in darkness about thy will. 
Here it is written, "Good and upright is the Lord ; 
therefore will He teach sinners in the way." It is 
thy own word ; I may depend upon it, and would 
plead it with thee. Many times thou hast fulfilled 
this promise already ; thou art willing and able to 
do it evermore for thy own name's sake. Thou art 
ever mindful of thy word, and I would keep close 
unto it. Then let thy Spirit well explain thy 
Word, and write it on my heart, enabling me to 
understand, to love, and practice it. 

I lift my soul to God, 

My trust is in His name ; 
I,et not my foes that seek my blood 

Still triumph, in my shame. 

Sin and the powers of hell 

Persuade me to despair ; 
Ivord, let me know thy cov'nant well, 

That I may 'scape the snare. 

The Lord is just and kind ; 

The meek shall learn His ways ; 
And every humble sinner find 

The methods of His grace. 

For His own goodness' sake 

He saves my soul from shame ; 
He pardons (though my guilt be great) 

Through my Redeemer's name. 



146 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May io. 

David's Prayer : — Turn again our captivity, O 
Lord. — Ps. cxxvi. 4. 

Divine Answer : — The Lord has appointed me to 
preach good tidings unto the meek, to proclaim 
liberty to the captives, and the opening of the 
prison to them that are bound. — Isa. lxi. 1. For 
thus saith the Lord, etc., I will give thee for a 
covenant of the people, etc., that thou may est say 
to the prisoners, Go forth ; to them that are in 
darkness, Shew yourselves : they shall feed in 
the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high 
places : they shall not hunger nor thirst. — Isa. 
xlix. 8-10. See also chap. xxxv. 10. 

O Lord, I am hungering after the righteousness 
and freedom, not only of faith, but of holiness also ; 
not that I may make holiness the foundation of 
hope, but the evidence of faith ; and that I may be 
able to rejoice and take comfort of thy righteous- 
ness alone, without deceiving my soul. Grant, 
therefore, that I may be truly filled, and may be 
strong, easy, and free, so as to be kept no longer in 
any of the most subtle bonds, either of the Law, 
unbelief, and a bad conscience, or of a worldly 
mind ! 

Buried in shadows of the night, 
We lie till Christ restores the light ; 
Wisdom descends to heal the blind, 
And chase the darkness from the mind. 

Jesus beholds where Satan reigns, 
Binding his slaves in heavy chains ; 
He sets the prisoners free, and breaks 
The iron bondage from our necks. 

Poor helpless worms in thee possess 
Grace, wisdom, power, and righteousness ; 
Thou art our mighty All, and we 
Give our whole selves, O L,ord, to thee. 



the goldkn treasury. 147 

May 11. 

David's Prayer: — How long wilt thou hide thy face 
from me, O Lord ? — Ps. xiii. i. 

Divine Answer : — For a small moment have I for- 
saken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather 
thee, etc. — Isa. liv. 7-9. 

When the Lord is pleased to quicken us in our 
prayers with a lively impression of one or more 
promises, we are apt to think that the hour of His 
help is come. But afterward, it may be, He not 
only hides Himself for a great while again, but 
things take even such a strange and contrary course, 
as if all had been nothing, or as if nothing was 
more uncertain than the word of God ; nay, even 
than God Himself. They who deny such tempta- 
tions, are strangers both to themselves and to the 
devices of Satan. But Christians must then be pru- 
dently upon their guard, thinking that God is going 
to do some glorious things for them ; for if they be 
first more convinced of their utter unworthiness, if 
they act with faith and patience, and be more earn- 
est in prayers, they are fit to receive so much more 
grace afterward. Though yet, after all, God, as a 
Sovereign, will give such measures of grace at such 
seasons, and to such persons, as He pleases. 

Dear Lord, behold our sore distress ; 

Our sins attempt to reign ; 
Stretch out thine arm of conq'ring grace, 

And let thy foes be slain. 

If thou despise a mortal groan, 

Yet hear a Saviour's blood ; 
An advocate so near the throne 

Pleads and prevails with God. 

How boundless is our Father's grace, 

In height, in depth, and length ! 
He made His Son our righteousness ; 

His Spirit is our strength ! 



148 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 12. 

David's Prayer : — How long wilt thou forget me, O 
Lord? — Ps. xiii. i. 

Divine Answer : — Can a woman forget her nicking 
child, that she should not have compassion on the 
son of her womb ? Yea, they may forget, yet 
will I not forget thee. Behold, I have grave ?i 
thee upon the palms of my hands ; thy walls are 
continually before me. — Isa. xlix. 15, 16. 

The wickedness and the evil of our hearts, and 
the great heap of our actual transgressions which 
we daily transgress against the Lord, are no easy 
matters to get rid of. We need to wrestle and 
strive like Jacob, and hold the Lord till He bless 
us with His pardoning and His purifying grace. 
Were all our sins and afflictions easily to be prayed 
away with a few words, whence these sad and re- 
peated complaints of David? — Why should God 
advise us to wait for Him, and persevere in hope? 
— And how could faith and patience be exercised ? 
In our closets we may be lifted up with high specu- 
lations, seem to be strong, and able to leap over all 
the walls ; but in great distress we see how dejected 
and distrusting our hearts often are (Ps. xxx. 7, 8), 
but the Lord preserves us. 

God's is an unchanging love, 
Higher than the heights above, 
Deeper than the depths beneath, 
Free and faithful, strong as death. 

Thou shalt see my glory soon, 
When the work of grace is done ; 
Partner of my throne shalt be 
Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou me? 

Lord, it is my chief complaint, 
That my love is weak and faint ; 
Yet, I love thee, and adore ; 
Oh ! for grace to love thee more. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 149 

May 13. 

David's Prayer -.—Shew me thy ways, O Lord, and 
teach me thy paths. — Ps. xxv. 4, 

Moses' Prayer: — Shew me now thy way, that I may 
know thee. — Exod. xxxiii. 13. 

Divine Answers : — / wilt instruct thee, and teach 
thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide 
thee with mine eye. — Ps. xxxii. 8. My presence 
shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. — 
Exod. xxxiii. 14. 

O Lord, suffer me not to step aside one inch 
from thy way, much less to fall away from thee, 
the true Vine, and Fortress of my soul, by the 
plausible insinuations of my own brain and imagi- 
nation. May I never run, before thou hast called 
me, to the hurt of my soul ; but constantly and 
confidently abide in thee, always drawing first the 
necessary light and strength from thee, by never- 
ceasing supplications. Grant that, my e}-e being 
fixed continually upon thee, I may be guided into 
all truth, my doings being attended with thy bless- 
ing, and my whole life be a constant progress 
toward heaven. 

Christ's Answer : — I will keep thee as the 
apple of mine eye, that no evil shall come near 
thee. As a careful mother watches over her child, 
so have I undertaken to teach thee my path, and 
guide thee with my own eyes. Whatever faintings 
and failings may befall thee, yet will I be ever faith- 
ful, raising thee up again, and leading thee on ever- 
more in thy ways. Xay, as a good Shepherd, I 
will carry thee in my own arms whenever thy in- 
creasing weakness shall require. 

My honor is engaged to save 

The meanest of my sheep ; 
All that my heavenly Father gave, 

My hands securely keep. 



150 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 14. 

By these, (books,) my son, be admonished. — Eccles. 
xii. 12. Bat, as new-born babes, desire the sin- 
cere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 
— 1 Pet. ii. 2. 

New-born babes must not self-conceitedly be 
desirous of high things and strong meat. Such 
have more need experimentally to understand the 
first oracles of Christ, and taste the milk and saving 
power of the Gospel. This would best make them 
grow in grace, and wean them from the world, 
since a sucking child esteems nothing else in com- 
parison of its mother's breast ; and those that de- 
light in more lofty, vain imaginations than the 
Bible, do not follow the right spirit, and at last 
must come to their catechism again ; for the more 
a Christian is approaching to his end, and desires 
to be duly prepared for neaven, the more he walks 
in deep humility and godly simplicity, placing 
himself on the lowest bench of weak and little 
children. And thus they are the fittest vessels of 
grace ; they will certainly be enlightened, and have 
the mystery of Christ revealed in their hearts (Matt. 
xi. 25). 

There was an hour when Christ rejoiced, 
And spoke His j oy in words of praise,— 

Father. I thank thee, migiity God, 
I^ord of the earth, and heaven, and seas. 

I thank thy sov'reign power and love, 

That crowns my doctrine with success ; 
And makes the babes in knowledge learn 
The height, the breadth, the length of grace. 

But all His glory lies concealed 

From men of prudence and of wit ; 
The prince of darkness blinds their e\-es, 

And their own pride resists the light. 

Father, 'tis thus, because thy will 

Chose and ordained it should be so ; 
'Tis thy delight t' abuse the proud, 

And lay the haughty scorner low. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 151 

May 15. 

/ bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, etc., that He would grant you, according 
to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened, etc. 
— Eph. iii. 14-16. Read on to verse 21. 

This is a prayer, and a form fit to be used by all 
Christians. It may be used as a daily prayer ; we 
should offer it up in faith, without apprehending 
that the favor we ask is too great. God will do ex- 
ceedingly more for us than we can either ask or 
understand. Whatever we ask, He will grant us 
still more ; for though we are sinners, yet Jesus 
hath received gifts even for sinners ; and to every 
one of us (v. 7) is given grace according to the 
measure of the gift of Christ, that we may enjoy 
all things richly, — Christ being rich toward all 
them that call upon Him. O God, thou art our 
Father, reconciled to us in Christ ; grant us there- 
fore power, great power, according to the riches of 
thy glory, not according to the narrowness of our 
hearts. We stand in need of great power, for we 
have great enemies. Strengthen us by thy Spirit, 
Lord Jesus ; do thou dwell in our hearts, and grant 
us to be rooted in thy love, that we may know it 
more and more, and that it may be shed abroad in 
our hearts, and that we may be filled with all the 
fullness of God. 

To thee, my God, I daily sigh, 

But not for golden stores ; 
Nor covet I the brightest gem 

On the rich eastern shores. 

No pleasure's soft enticing charms, 

My fond desires allure ; 
Far greater things than earth can yield, 

My wishes would secure. 

Those blissful, those transporting smiles, 

That brighten heaven above ; 
The boundless riches of thy grace, 

And treasures of thy love. 



152 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May i 6. 

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not 
sin against thee. Stablish thy word unto thy 
servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Then shall 
I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all 
thy commandments. Therefore, remember the 
word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast 
caused me to hope. I will ru7i the way of thy 
commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my 
heart. — Ps. cxix. u, 38, 6, 49, 32. 

"That the word may become effectual to salva- 
tion, we must attend thereunto with diligence, prep- 
aration, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, 
lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives. ' ' 
— Shorter Catechism. Gospel-comforts sweetly and 
powerfully urge us to obedience ; and law- terrors 
check us from resting on that obedience. Both are 
needful to guard us from security and legality. 
Whosoever despises or neglects obedience entertains 
a false notion of the Gospel, and is running head- 
long into licentiousness and ruin ; and he who relies 
on his obedience to justify him, defeats the design 
of the Gospel, and frustrates the grace of God, mak- 
ing it of no effect. May the Lord lead and keep us 
in the right way! 

Laden with guilt, and full of fears, 

I fly to thee, my Lord ; 
And not a glimpse of hope appears 

But in thy written word. 

This is the judge that ends the strife, 

Where wit and reason fail ; 
My guide to everlasting life, 

Through all this gloomy vale. 

Oh ! may thy counsels, mighty God, 

My roving feet command ; 
Nor'l forsake the happy road 

That leads to thy right hand ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 153 

May 17. 

Through the law I am dead to the law, that I might 
live unto God. I am crucified with Christ ; 
nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth 
in vie ; and the life which I now live in the 
flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who 
loved me, and gave Himself for me. — Gal. ii. 
19, 20. 

Christ being our Head, in whom all fullness 
dwells, He will certainly fill all His members with 
life and strength, according to His promise, (John 
xiv. 19). "I live, and ye shall live also ;" and (chap, 
xvii. 3). "This is eternal life, that they may know 
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom 
thou hast sent." To know Christ, and God in 
Christ, as love, is true light and life ; he that has 
this has enough. Oh ! the excellency of the knowl- 
edge of Christ ! O Lord, teach me to know thee as 
the Bridegroom of my soul, that the Law may not 
rush into my conscience, now thy bridechamber, 
and condemn me any more ! I desire to be devoted 
to thee alone. (Rom. vii. 4.) Grant therefore, that 
my whole heart and life, all my words and actions, 
may be governed only by a living faith on thee, 
who hast loved and given thyself for me. 

Come, dearest Lord, descend and dwell, 

By faith and love in every breast ; 
Then shall we know, and taste, and feel 

The joys that cannot be exprest. 

Come fill our hearts with inward strength, 

Make our enlarged souls possess, 
And learn the height, and breadth, and length 

Of thine unmeasurable grace. 

Now to the God whose power can do 
More than our thoughts or wishes know, 

Be everlasting honors done. 
By all the Church, through Christ His Son ! 



154 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May t8. 

David's Confession : — / am poor and needy, and 
my heart is wounded within me. — Ps. cix. 22. 

Divine Answer : — I know thy poverty, but thou att 
rich. — Rev. ii. 9. For, blessed are the poor in 
spirit \ for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. — Matt. 
v. 3. The meek shall eat and be satisfied ; they 
shall praise the Lord that seek Him : your hearts 
shall live for ever. — Ps. xxii. 26. The Lord 
healeth the broken in heart ; the Lord lifteth up 
the meek. — Ps. cxlvii. 3, 6. A bruised reed shall 
He not break, and smoking flax shall He not 
quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory. 
— Matt. xii. 20. 

Such are the tender mercies of Christ toward 
the weakest of His people, that He supplies them 
from time to time with all proportionable strength, 
till at last they are able to gain a complete victory. 
As soon, therefore, as we are sensible of our poverty 
or miserable condition, and are desirous of grace 
and strength to overcome sin, and evidence that 
desire to be sincere by constant prayer, we have 
actually some grace and spiritual life, and are de- 
livered already from the jaws of hell ; for there is 
no such feeling in dead souls ; and in hell there is 
only a desire to be delivered from the punishment 
of sin, but not from sin itself. 

Blessed are the humble souls that see 
Their emptiness and poverty ; 
Treasures of grace to them are given, 
And crowns of joy laid up in heaven. 

Blessed are the men with broken heart, 
Who mourn for sin with inward smart ; 
The blood of Christ divinely flows, 
A healing balm for all their woes. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 155 

May 19. 
I am the light of the world ; he that follow eth me 
shall not ivalk in darkness, but shall have the 
light of life. — John viii. 12. Therefore, walk 
while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon 
you ; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not 
whither he go eth. — Chap. xii. 35. 

He that is faithful, keeping ever close to Christ 
and His light, strictly watching and obeying the 
motions of His Spirit, will be evermore tender in 
conscience, and receive so much more light : con- 
sequently, he will be, from time to time, more deep- 
ly rooted in repentance, faith, and assurance, so as 
either to be preserved from many combats and dis- 
orders, or at least be carried sooner through the 
same. He may meet with dark valleys in his pil- 
grimage, for nature is covered with darkness, and 
grace sometimes only glimmers like a spark ; yet 
by degrees it will blaze, and at last break through 
and enlighten all our darkness. The glory of the 
Lord is often seen beaming in the cloud. 

Is He a star? — He breaks the night, 
Piercing the shades with dawning light ; 
I know His glories from afar, 
I know the bright, the morning star. 

Is lie a sun ?— His beams are grace ; 
His course is }oy and righteousness ; 
Nations rejoice when He appears, 
To chase their clouds and dry their tears. 

Nor earth, nor seas, nor sun, nor stars, 
Nor heaven His full resemblance bears ; 
His beauties we can never trace, 
Till we behold Him face to face. 

Oh ! let me climb these higher skies, 
Where storms and darkness never rise ; 
There He displays His powers abroad, 
And shines and reigns th' incarnate God. 



156 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 20. 

I am the Lord God, which teach eth thee to profit, 
which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldst 
go. Oh ! that thou hadst hearkened to my com- 
mandments ! then had thy peace been as a river, 
and thy^ righteousness as the waves of the sea. — 
Isa. xlviii. 17, 18. Behold, I stand at the door, 
and knock ; if any man hear my voice, and open 
the door, I will come in to him, and will sup 
with him, and he with me. — Rev. iii. 20. 

How often and how variously does the Lord 
knock at the door of our hearts, by the voice of His 
word, the voice of His Spirit, or the voice of con- 
science ! But how seldom are we inclined to give 
Him the hearing ! We are often so distracted with 
business or pleasure, that we can hardly observe His 
voice through the hurry and noise of worldly things ; 
and we are not at home when He knocks, and 
seeks to take up His abode with us. Well, even 
now He is knocking by this paper. Hearken to 
His voice and open the door for Him directly, since 
He desires nothing from us that might be grievous ; 
but intends to make our heart a glorious residence 
and banqueting-room of love, to fill it with heavenly 
treasure, and give us everything along with Him- 
self. 

I'll bring Him. to my mother's home ; 
Nor does my Lord refuse to come 
To Zion's sacred chambers, where 
My soul first drew the vital air. 

He gives me there His bleeding heart, 
Pierced for my sake with deadly smart ; 
I give my soul to Him, and there 
Our loves their mutual tokens share. 

I charge you all, ye earthly toys, 
Approach not to disturb my joys ; 
Nor sin, nor hell, come near my heart, 
Nor cause my Saviour to depart ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 157 

May 21. 

/ am the true Vine, and my Father is the Husband- 
man ; every branch in me that b ear eth fruit, He 
purgeth it, that it 'may bring forth more fruit. 
Abide in me, and I in you. He that abideth in 
me, a?id I in him, the same bringeth forth much 
fruit. — John xv. 1-5. 

O Lord I trust that this word will have its accom- 
plishment in me also, though as yet I have great 
reason to be humbled on account of my barrenness. 
Grant, therefore, that I always may abide in thee 
faithfully and quietly : since there is everything in 
thy power, and nothing can be done by our own 
strength ; but as it is thy will, and it tends both to 
the glory of thy Father and thine own, I depend 
upon being replenished in due season with fruits of 
righteousness. Oh ! suffer nothing in me which 
may dishonor thy name, and which would prove 
hurtful to myself and offensive to others. But what- 
ever thou thinkest as yet fit for me to suffer, let it 
work for my real good. 

How can I sufficiently adore the patience of the 
Lord, my gracious Husbandman, who still bears with 
me, the weakest of all His branches. He has not 
cut me off yet, but still dresses me to bring forth 
more fruit ; though, like a degenerate plant, I have 
yielded little else but wild grapes. Why then 
shouldst thou grumble, O my heart, at the applica- 
tion of His pruning-knife ? It is really for thy good. 
He is angry only with the degenerate, unfruitful 
branches. The more these are purged, the more 
fruit thou shalt bring forth. 

Is Christ a Vine ? — His heavenly root 
Supplies the boughs with life and fruit ; 
Oh ! let a lasting union join 
My soul to Him, the Living Vine. 



158 THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 22. 
/ am glorified in them ; I have declared unto them 
thy name, and will declare it, that the love where- 
with thou hast loved me may be in them, and I 
in them; I in them, and thou i7i me, that they may 
be made perfect in one. — John xvii. 10, 26, 23. 

Christ is the Head of His Church, and He is 
glorified in it, in having it to present to the Father a 
glorious Church, the members of which are washed 
clean in His own Blood, and are as stones fitly 
set. Christ loves His Church. He loves the indi- 
vidual members of it, and they derive all their 
nourishment from Him. Oh! glorious promise! how 
could He love us more ! What blessed and intimate 
union is this ! Oh ! for such a faith that could 
always truly believe it ! Christ is the Vine, believers 
are branches ; Fie the Bridegroom, they the bride ; 
He the Head, they the members of His body, of 
His very flesh, and very bones, and consequently, 
one body with Him. And whoever hated his own 
flesh ? So in loving and cherishing believers, He 
loves Himself (Eph. v. 28, 29). Whenever He 
shall cease to love Himself, then, and no sooner, 
shall He cease to love and cherish them also. It is 
His own delight to do them good, more than the 
mother that suckles her child. 

Lord, what a heaven of saving grace 
Shines through the beauties of thy face, 
And lights our passions to a flame ! 
I^ord, how we love thy charming name ! 

When I can say my God is mine, 
When I can feel thy glories shine, 
I tread the world beneath my feet, 
And all that earth calls good and great. 

Send comforts down from thy right hand, 
While we pass through this barren land ; 
And in thy temple let us see 
A glimpse of love, a glimpse of Thee ! 



THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 159 

May 23. 

David's Prayer : — / am weary with groaning. — 
Ps. vi 6. 

Divine Answer : — He gives power to the faint, and 
to them that have no might He increases strength. 
— Isa. xl. 29. / have satiated the weary soul, 
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. — 
Jer. xxxi. 25. See also Matt. xi. 28-30. 

HERE Christ is commending His own meekness, 
both as a pattern for imitation, and as an encour- 
agement for heavy-laden sinners to draw near to 
Him with confidence. And His rest is promised, 
not for the merit of our labor and humility, but 
merely for our coming to Him and believing in 
Him. He says, "Take my yoke upon you." 
4 ' But how shall I take it ?" says the sinner. ' 'Why," 
says Christ, k ' learn of me. Let me be your Teacher ; 
and though you are blind and foolish, fretful and 
forgetful, yea, wholly polluted with sin, I can yet 
bear with you ; because I am meek and lowly in 
heart, — not rough and haughty to offenders, as 
Pharisees usually are, but full of compassion toward 
them, willing to receive them, aud ready to forgive 
and comfort them," etc. Come, therefore, to Him, 
O sinner, with all thy load of sin and misery, and He 
will in no wise cast thee out, but receive thee gladly! 

Come hither, all ye weary souls, 

Ye heavy-laden sinners, come ! 
I'll give you rest from all your toils, 

And raise you to my heavenly home ! 

Bless'd is the man whose shoulders take 
My j'oke, and bear it with delight ; 

My yoke is easy to his neck, 
My grace shall make the burden light \ 

Jesus we come at thy command, 
With faith, and hope, and humble zeal, 

Resign our spirits to thy hand, 
To mould and oruide us at thy will ! 



160 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 
May 24. 

David's Prayer : — / have gone astray like a lost 
sheep; seek thy servant. — Ps. cxix. 176. 

Divine Answer : — Behold, I, even /, will both search 
my sheep, and seek them out. I will seek that 
which was lost, and bring again that which was 
driven away, and will bind up that which was 
broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. 
— Ezek. xxxiv. 11, 16. He shall feed His flock 
like a shepherd ; He shall gather the lambs with 
His arm, and carry them in His bosom. — Isa. 
3d. 15. 

He that is wise in his own conceit, as philoso- 
phers usually are, does not pray like David to be 
sought after and healed by Jesus Christ ; and there- 
fore he continues, amidst all his boasted wisdom, 
deeply ignorant of his fallen nature and his ruined 
state. But as thou hast given me, O thou good 
Shepherd, to understand my lost and helpless con- 
dition ; and that, like a wandering sheep, I can 
neither find myself when lost, nor advise myself 
how to return, I beseech thee to seek, heal, "lead, 
feed, carry and strengthen me also as my various 
needs require ; that I may be able to say with 
David, ' 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. ' ' 

My Shepherd will supply my need, 

Jehovah is His naine ; 
In pastures fresh He makes me feed, 

Beside the living stream. 
He brings my wand' ring spirit back 

When I forsake His ways ; • 

And leads me, for His mercy's sake, 

In paths of truth and grace. 
The sure provisions of nry God 

Attend me all my days ; 
Oh ! may thy house be mine abode, 

And all my work be praise. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 161 

May 25. 

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and 
of all the truths which thou hast shewed unto thy 
servant. — Geu. xxxii. 10. Who am I, O Lord 
God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought 
vie hitherto ? — 2 Sam. vii. iS. When I consider 
thy heavens , the work of thy fingers, the moon 
and the stars, which thou hast ordained ; what is 
mail, that thou art mindful of him ? a*:d the sou 
of man, that thou visitest him ? — Ps. viii. 3, 4. 

A SOLX truly humbled highly esteems every 
favor, and judges itself utterly unworthy of the 
least ; looking upon everything as a free gift, and 
bestowed only for Jesus Christ's sake. Now, O my 
dear Father ! it is true, in myself, I deserve none, 
no not the least, of thy mercies ; but as thou hast 
graciously looked upon me, and given me, thine 
only Son, who hath purchased all blessings at a 
high price for sinners, I do believe that goodness 
and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. 
Amen. Be it so, holy Father, to thy glory and my 
everlasting joy ! 

Xow to the power of God supreme 

Be everlasting honors given ; 
He saves from hell (we bless His name), 

He calls our wand' ring feet to heaven. 

Not for our duties or deserts, 

But of His own abounding grace, 
He works salvation in our hearts, 

And forms a people for His praise. 

'Twas His own purpose that began 

To rescue rebels doomed to die ; 
He gave us grace in Christ His Son, 

Before He spread the starry sky. 

Jesus, the Lord, appears at last, 
And makes His Father's counsels known ; 

Declares the great transactions past. 
And brings immortal blessings down. 



162 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 26. 

/ beseech you, that ye present your bodies a living 
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is 
your reasonable service. And be not conformed, 
etc, — Rom. xii. 1, 2. See also 1 Cor. vi. 19. 

The presenting our bodies a living sacrifice unto 
God, when attended with serious prayer and read- 
ing the Scriptures, is the best means of knowing 
the will of God. To neglect this, and use other 
means, is tempting God, and exposing ourselves to 
the temptations and siftings of the wicked one. 
We may think ourselves to be divinely convinced by 
faith of the will of God, though we follow our own 
imaginations, and spoil the best of our actions. 
Self-will generally takes quick resolutions, and has 
a great deal of assurance ; whereas God ver} 7 often 
leads His people blindly, and takes methods quite 
different from ours. ' ' Who therefore believes shall 
not make haste " (Isa. xxviii. 16). Let even 7 one 
be careful that he does not mistake self-will and 
plausible representation for Divine convictions and 
assurance of faith; always strictly examine himself 
first, whether his body, soul, will, affections, are en- 
tirely offered up to the good- will and pleasure of 
God ; for God requires the service of the whole man 
even a sacrificing our whole selves to Him, not only 
at church, but in all other places, that we do not 
conform to the world, but be daily transformed by 
the renewing of our minds. 

Though lifted eyes salute the skies. 

And bended knees the ground. 
Yet God abhors the sacrifice 

Where truth cannot be found. 

IvOrd, search my thoughts, and try my ways, 

And make my soul sincere ; 
Then shall I stand before thy face, 

And find acceptance there. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 163 

May 27. 

/ will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall 
be joyful in my God ; for He hath clothed me 
with the garments of salvation, He hath covered 
me with the robe of righteousness. — Isa. lxi. 10. 

Christ has a garment of the finest work for every 
saint. It is this garment they must wear, no other 
one will do in the sight of God. Then, O my soul, 
put on this garment. It is one of unspotted white- 
ness ; thou canst wear it by faith. In vain dost 
thou dress up and adorn thyself before thou ap- 
proachest Christ. To Him thou must come, filthy, 
naked, and miserable as thou art ; He will clothe 
and adorn thee Himself; and in this ornament 
alone thou shalt rejoice. For the very best of our 
robes and performances are not without spots, but 
still want to be washed in the blood of Christ, and 
covered with this ornament. ' ' These are they who 
corne out of great tribulation, and have washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of 
the Lamb" (Rev. vii. 14). This, and this alone, is 
the way to enjoy and maintain true peace. This 
will enable us to rejoice that our names are written 
in heaven. 

Awake, my heart,— arise, my tongue. 

Prepare a tuneful voice ; 
In God, the life of all my joys, 

Aloud will I rejoice. 

'Tis He adorned my naked soul, 

And made salvation mine ; 
Upon a poor, polluted worm 

He makes His grace to shine. 

The Spirit wrought by faith and lo^e, 

And hope, and every grace ; 
But Jesus spent His life to work 

The robe of righteousness. 

Strangely, my soul, art thou arrayed 

By the great sacred Three ; 
In sweetest harmony of praise 

I^et all thy powers agree. 



1 64 THE GOLDEN TREASUE.Y. 

May 28. 
David's Confession :— / have sinned against the 

Lord. — 2 Sam. xii. 13. 
Divine Answer : — The Lord also hath put away thy 

sin; thou shalt not die. — 2 Sam. xii. 13. For 

if we would judge ourselves, we should not be 

judged. — 1 Cor. xi. 31. 

HE that with unfeigned repentance accuses and 
judges himself, accounting his own righteousness 
and best doings as filth}- rags, and seeks for mercy 
through Jesus, may expect to receive forgiveness 
of all his sins at once, though chastisement may 
follow ; for pardons are not bestowed in parcels or 
various measures, as spiritual gifts are. God, 
through Christ, receives the whole person of a peni- 
tent sinner into His favor, forgiving both original 
and actual sins in one instant ; so that either none or 
all are forgiven ; but though repentance be need- 
ful to humble a sinner, and to bring him to Christ, 
yet no sins are forgiven on account of this repent- 
ance, but through faith alone in the blood of Christ. 
This fountain washes away the guilt of all sins, 
though ever so numerous and heinous ; for it is 
written, ' 'The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin ' ' 
( 1 John i. 7). Come, then, my soul, believe and be 
washed in this fountain. 

Shew pit} r , Lord. O Lord forgive ! 
Let a repenting rebel live. 
Are not thy mercies large and free ? 
May not a sinner trust in thee ? 

My lips with shame my sins confess, 
Against thv law, against thy grace : 
Lord, should thy judgment grow severe, 
I am condemned, but thou art clear. 

My crimes are great, but don't surpass 
The power and glory of thy grace ; 
Great God, thy nature has no bound ; 
So let thy pardoning love be found ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 165 

May 29. 
Having the understanding darkened, being alien- 
ated from the life of God through the ignorance 
that is in them, because of the blindness of their 
heart, etc. — Eph. iv. 18, 19. 

If a man be naturally dead, bring a candle into 
the room, he sees it not ; let the sun shine in his 
face, he perceives not the beauty, nor feels the 
warmth thereof ; offer him rich presents, he receives 
them not ; he hath no eye to see them, no heart to 
desire them, no hand to reach out unto them. 
Thus it is with one that is spiritually dead. Let 
the sunshine of the Gospel blaze out ever so clear, 
he sees it not, because he is in darkness ; though 
he lived under plentiful means and dispensations, 
yet he is blind and sottish ; offer unto him the rich 
pearls of the Gospel, those rich treasures of grace 
in Christ Jesus, yet he hath no heart to them, no 
hand of faith to lay hold upon them ; so blind, so 
sottish, so stupid and senseless is he, that though 
these rich treasures, these graces, these pearls of the 
Gospel be conveyed unto him in earthen vessels, in 
a plain and familiar manner, yet he doth not, he 
cannot apprehend them ; judgments do not affright 
him, and mercies cannot allure or persuade him ; 
yet this creature is all life in the element of sin ; he 
loves it, he pleads for it, he commits it with greedi- 
ness. This is St. Paul's account of the unconverted 
Gentiles ; and how many such have we under a 
Christian name ! O Lord, exert thy great power, 
quicken all that are thus dead in trespasses and sin?: 
11 turn them from darkness to light, and from tit 1 
power of Satan to thine own self. " Amen. 

A carnal soul is blind within, 

And has no want of Jesus' grace ; 
He feels and fears no harm in sin, 

And turns from God his haughty face. 



166 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

May 30. 

David's Declaration : — I wait for the Lord, my soul 
doth wait. — Ps. cxxx. 5. 

Divine Answer : — They that wait upon the Lord 
shall renew their strength, etc. — Isa. xl. 31. For 
the Lord is good unto them that wait for Hint, 
to the sold that seeks Him. — Lam. iii. 25. 

IT is not enough to utter words which form a 
prayer,but these words must express the desires and 
wishes of our heart. Nor is this enough ; prayer 
without expectation is no prayer at all. Unless we 
desire and eagerly look for the coming of what we 
have prayed for, how can it be called prayer ? it 
will only be a solemn mocking of God. Therefore, 
when we have prayed, we must remember to wait 
also, and to look anxiously for the answer ; for this 
is well pleasing to the Lord, and expressly com- 
manded by Him. The more we wait and keep 
instant in prayer, so much more will He give ; nay 
He always hears and grants our petitions directly, 
and lays them up for His children ; but that we 
may not abuse them, He gives the enjoyment only 
when it is most needful ; therefore we may confi- 
dently say, Such and such gifts I shall have, since 
I have prayed for them : they are actually laid up 
for me ; and the use and benefit thereof I shall reap 
in due season, especially in death and in eternity. 

My spirit looks to God alone, 
My rock and refuge is His throne ; 
In all my fears, in all my straits, 
My soul on His salvation waits. 

Trust Him, ye saints, in all your ways, 
Pour out your hearts before His face. 
When helpers fail and foes invade, 
God is our all-sufficient aid. 

For sov'reign power reigns not alone, 
Grace is a partner of His throne ; 
Thy grace and justice, mighty Lord, 
Shall well divide our last reward. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 167 

May 31. 

hi the multitude of my thoughts within me thy 
comforts delight my soul. — Ps. xciv. 19. Blessed 
be God, even the Father of our Lord fesus Christ, 
the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- 
fort ; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, 
that we may be able to comfort them which are in 
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our- 
selves are comforted of God. — 2 Cor. i. 3, 4. 

A Contented man, with afflictions, is ready to 
place his trust and seek his comforts in temporal 
things. Earthly desires crowd upon him, filling 
his soul with vanity ; and he cannot well taste the 
sweet comforts of God's Word, but under the bur- 
den of the cross. Here we often enjoy more solid 
rest than if we were without the cross, and then 
that word is fulfilled which Christ says (Matt. xi. 
30), "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 
Thus our hearts are set against the world, reconciled 
to heavenly things, and easily separated from 
many idols which we could not resist nor forsake 
before. Well then may we bear these salutary 
burdens, which, when sanctified, will produce 
present comfort, and soon issue in eternal rest and 
glory. And since the Lord has promised to give 
strength sufficient for the day, that we may not be 
tempted above measure, there is abundant reason 
again to say that His burden is light indeed, and 
His yoke is truly easy. 

'Tis good for me to wear the yoke, 

For pride is apt to rise and swell ; 
'Tis good to bear my Father's stroke, 

That I may learn His statutes well. 

Father, I bless thy gentle hand ; 

How kind is thy chastising rod, 
That forced my conscience to a stand. 

And brought my wand'ring soul to God ! 



168 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June i. 
I determined not to k?ww anythi7ig among you, save 
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. — i Cor. ii. 2. 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; 
a good understanding have all they that do His 
commandments ; His praise endurethfor ever. — 
Ps. cxi. 10. The wisdom that is from above is 
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be 
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without 
partiality, and without hypocrisy. — James iii. 17. 
Knowledge puffeth tip, but charity edifieth. — 
1 Cor. viii. 1. 

Christ crucified, and He alone, is the power and 
wisdom of God ; Him all Christians, and especially 
divines, should make their particular practice to 
study well. Were our faith built on human wisdom 
then surely carnal philosophers would be the 
greatest believers ; w T hereas they are sometimes the 
worst infidels, or, at best, the most silly and faith- 
less people in times of distress. And besides, their 
being puffed up is another evidence that they have 
not the true wisdom ; for the wisdom from above is 
only with the lowly and babes, who pray for it 
earnestly (Prov. xi. 2 ; Matt. xi. 25). What would 
all knowledge avail us, then, without the knowl- 
edge of Christ ! One spark of pure love yields 
more power than all the stores of empty human 
learning. May the Lord Jesus shed His love abroad 
in my heart ! as, whatever others ma} 7 do, Him have 
I determined only to know, and Him have I deter- 
mined only to serve : His love to the cross I account 
for my greatest wisdom and glory. 

They that would grow divinely wise, 

Must with His fear begin ; 
Our fairest proof of knowledge lies 

In hating every sin. 



thk golden treasury 169 

June 2. 

Christian's Prayer : — I will not let thee go, except 
thou bless me. — Gen. xxxii. 26. Forsake me not, 
O Lord, O my God. — Ps. xxxviii. 21. 

Divine Answers : — Behold, I am with thee, and I 
will keep thee in all places whither thou goest ; 
for I will not leave thee, until I have done that 
which I have spoken to thee of. — Gen. xxviii. 15. 
/ know thee by name, and thou hast also found 
grace hi my sight. — Ex. xxxiii. 12. I will never 
leave thee, nor forsake thee. — Heb. xiii. 5. 

God will have me to be faithful ; and should not 
He be so Himself ? Am I to trust in His word ? 
Then surely He will not forsake me, but be as good 
as His word. Heaven and earth must pass away, 
but His word will not ; He is ever faithful. If I do 
not believe this, I think blasphemously of God, and 
can have no help or comfort from His word ; but 
if I truly believe Him to be faithful, I believe 
enough. This is what He only desires, and if I 
really do, my faith will not be moved even in the 
hottest trials ; the word will hold me up, though I 
receive it even in weakness. But my faith must be 
attended with continual prayer. 

Begin, my tongue, some heavenly thenie, 
And speak some boundless thing ; 

The mighty works, or mightier name, 
Of our eternal King. 

Tell of His wondrous faithfulness, 

And sound His power abroad ; 
Sing the sweet promise of His grace, 

And the performing God. 

Proclaim salvation from the Lord 

For wretched, dying men ; 
His hand has writ the sacred Word 

With an immortal pen. 

Engraved, as in eternal brass, 

The mighty promise shines, 
Nor can the powers of darkness raze 

Those everlasting lines. 



170 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 3. 

/ say unto you, that every idle word that men shall 
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day 
of judgment. — Matt. xii. 36. Let no corrupt 
communication proceed out of your mouth, but 
that which is good, to the use of edifying, etc. — 
Eph. iv. 29. See also chap. v. 4. 

HERE all corrupt communication, jesting, foolish 
talking, or whatever is not convenient and good to 
the use of edifying, is plainly forbidden. But who 
truly believes the report and the truth of these 
awful words ? Surely the- world does not believe 
them at all. This is quite plain, from that very 
common and shocking practice of judging, lying, 
swearing, jesting, and talking all manner of filthi- 
ness ; yea, even religious people very often do not 
believe and consider them enough. How many 
heedless, slanderous, idle, and unprofitable words 
are sometimes spoken by these ! Be therefore care- 
ful, O my reader, to weigh every word, and to 
make light of none ; for such will increase thine 
account. Whenever we are going to speak, let the 
question be first, Is it needful to speak ? — does it 
tend to the glory of God ? — will it profit me or 
others ? O Lord, grant that never an idle w T ord may 
drop from my lips. Whenever I am to converse 
with others, give me grace first to converse with 
thee by secret prayer. In all companies let thy 
presence be before mine eyes, always looking upon 
thee as the chief person in the place, and receiving 
direction when and what I am to speak. May thy 
good Spirit always teach me, and sanctify all my 
thoughts and words ! 

And must I give a strict account 

Of every idle word ? 
Then set a watch upon my lips, 

And guard my tongue, O Lord. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 171 

Junk 4. 

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein 
he was called. — 1 Cor. vii. 20. 

Most of the employments of life are in their own 
nature lawful ; and all those that are so may be 
made a substantial part of our duty to God, if we 
engage in them only so far, and for such ends as 
are suitable for beings who are to live above the 
world. This is the only measure of our applica- 
tion to any worldly business ; it must have no more 
of our hands, our hearts, or our time, than is con- 
sistent with a hearty, daily, careful preparation of 
ourselves for another life. For since all true Chris- 
tians have renounced this world to prepare them- 
selves, by daily devotion and universal holiness, for 
an eternal state of quite another nature, they must 
look upon worldly employments as upon worldly 
wants and bodily infirmities, — things not to be 
desired, only to be endured and suffered, till death 
and the resurrection have carried us to an eternal 
state of real happiness. A person's being called 
into the kingdom of grace, is not designed to make 
void the duties that arise from his peculiar calling 
or situation in life, but to enforce the practice of 
them in such a way as may be most to the glory of 
God. He, therefore, that does not consider the 
things of this life as of little moment, or even noth- 
ing, in comparison of the things that are eternal, 
cannot be said either to feel or believe the greatest 
truths of Christianity. 

Lord, save me from my calling's snare, 
From fraud, and from the love of gain ; 

My hand be filled with worldly care, 
But all my heart with thee remain. 

In honor of thy glorious name, 
I,et all my worldly deeds be done ; 

And may the thoughts be to the same, 
Of all who dwell beneath the sun. 



172 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 5. 

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down; and 
the haughtiness of man shall be made low ; and 
the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. — Isa. 
ii. 17. I will cause the arrogancy of the proud 
to cease, and I will lay low the haughtiness of 
the terrible. — Isa. xiii. 11. The Lord God omni- 
potent reigneth.—Rev. xix. 6. 

" Pride was not made for man," says the son of 
Sirac ; ' ' and the proud in heart are an abomination 
to the Lord ;" and yet what is more common than 
pride and self-righteousness among the fallen chil- 
dren of Adam? So deeply are they ingrafted in 
our corrupt natures, that nothing short of Almighty 
grace can root them up. It is the great design and 
effect of the blessed Gospel, wherever it is applied 
to the heart by the Spirit of God, to mortify this 
cursed tempter. In that day, the haughtiness of 
man — his self-will which he set up in opposition to 
the will of God — shall be brought down ; and his 
self-righteousness, by which he thought to recom- 
mend himself to the favor of God, shall be made 
low ; and Christ and His righteousness alone shall 
be exalted. 

Hath this precious promise ever been fulfilled in 
thy experience, O my soul ? Is the will of God thy 
rule ? Is the righteousness of Christ thy hope ? and 
is the language of thy heart and life, "Let God in 
all things be exalted in me, and by me, through 
Christ Jesus ?" Without this, O my soul, thy pro- 
fession is vain, thy faith is also vain, and thou art 
yet in thy sins. Grant, O Lord, that I may be 
humble in heart and soul. 

IyOrd, lay my legal spirit low, 

And every lofty look subdue ; 
Bid all my heart to Jesus bow, 

E)xalt, and love, and trust Him too. 



THE GOLDKN TREASURY. 173 

Junk 6. 

/ know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and 
hast pleasure in uprightness. — 1 Chron. xxix. 
17. The Lord looketh on the heart. — 1 Sam. xvi. 7. 

As God searches the heart and tries the reins, He 
cannot be deceived by outward form. We ought 
not therefore to deceive ourselves in this particu- 
lar. It is no certain proof of a real conversion to 
God, if we only reform the grosser sins of our former 
lives, much less if we only abstain from such things 
as by nature we are not so much inclined to in- 
dulge ; but if our hearts are so renewed, by the 
grace of the Holy Spirit, as to be firmly and habit- 
ually opposed to our most beloved lusts, we have 
good evidence of a real conversion; for these inward 
capital enemies the Lord and all His upright fol- 
lowers attack most before all the rest. If we would 
give over that which is dearest to us, we must first 
know and believe that Christ is able and willing to 
help us, and has engaged His Word that none shall 
seek His face in vain. Let us keep this thought 
ever in our minds. It will both stir up faith, and 
encourage diligence in seeking after salvation. 

Mistaken souls that dream of heaven, 

And make their empty boast 
Of inward joys and sins forgiven, 

While they are slaves to lust. 

Vain are our fancies, airy flights, 

If faith be cold and dead ; 
None but a living power unites 

To Christ the living Head. 

'Tis faith that changes all the heart ; 

'Tis faith that works by love ; 
That bids our sinful joys depart, 

And lifts the thoughts above. 

Faith must obey her Father's will, 

As well as trust His grace. 
A pard'ning God is jealous still 

For His own holiness. 



174 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 7. 
/ will hedge up her way wilh thorns, and make a 
wall lhal she shall not find her paths ; and she 
shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not 
overtake them ; then shall she say, I will go and 
return unto my first husband, for then was it 
better with me than now. — Hosea ii. 6, 7. 

As it is only with thee, O my dear Saviour, that 
I can be happy, I would never leave thee any more; 
and that I may not slip from thee unawares, even 
under good pretences, I desire to have my way well 
hedged up, and be encompassed everywhere with 
thorns. Let me quickly discover and crucify every- 
thing which would give the least disturbance to the 
enjoyment of thy love, that I may always closely 
walk with thee alone, and never take a step out of 
thy way, for fear of running myself into the thorns, 
and bringing unnecessary sufferings upon me ; 
though I do not mean to avoid the cross of Christ 
in other respects, but would willingly submit to 
any sufferings, which are never without good fruit. 
Glory be to thee, O my blessed Saviour, that thou 
hast not given me up yet, and suffered me to run 
into destruction in my own ways ! Oh ! be pleased 
to restrain me evermore ; and whenever I am in 
danger of sliding into the broad way, let me find 
no rest till I am brought back, though it be through 
the briers of affliction. 

I know thy judgments, Lord, are right, 

Though they may seem severe ; 
The sharpest sufferings I endure 

Flow from thy faithful care. 

Before I knew thy chastening rod, 

My feet were apt to stray ; 
But now I learn to keep thy Word, 

Nor wander from the way. 






THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 175 

Junk 8. 

And he said, Art thou my very son Esau ? And he 

said, I am. — Gen. xxvii. 24. 

There are certainly some circumstances in this 
affair which may help a little to excuse Jacob 
and his mother, but cannot justify them. The 
case may be thus stated : — It cannot be denied, 
on the one hand, but that both Jacob and his 
mother were justly to be praised for having a 
due esteem of the father's solemn blessing, and for 
their endeavoring to attain it ; since this could pro- 
ceed from no other motive than a full persuasion 
of the truth of God's promises and covenant with 
Abraham. And thus, from the consideration of the 
goodness of the end, and from Jacob's title to the 
blessing as accompanying the birthright, as also 
from the fore-appointment of God, together with 
Isaac's approbation of the thing when done, may 
be drawn some arguments to lessen their crime. 
But, on the other hand, it must be confessed, that 
the means used to attain their ends were highly 
criminal. Rebecca was wrong in her advice to her 
son, and he was wrong in following it ; for though 
God, before he was born, designed him to inherit 
the blessing, yet he ought to have waited until the 
Divine Wisdom opened the way, and not have 
anticipated God, and procured the blessing by an 
irregular act of his own. Besides, both of them, 
by this act, presumed to limit the power of God, by 
thinking that fraud was needful to accomplish 
God's purpose. 

Let not your hearts with anxious thoughts 

Be troubled or dismayed ; 
But trust in Providence Divine, 

And trust my gracious aid. 



176 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 9. 

Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitful- 
ness of 'sin. — Heb. iii. 13. Every man is tempted, 
when he is drawn away of his own lust, and en- 
ticed.— James i. 14. 

DOTH sin present itself? —turn away from it with 
loathing and prayer. Give it not a look, lest it 
ensnare thee. If thou committest sin, and diest 
without repentance, thy soul is lost, and thy 
redemption ceaseth for ever ; or if thou committest 
sin and dost repent, yet expect hidings of God's 
face and breaking of bones, as David felt to his 
cost. Oh ! what bitter pangs— what painful throes 
— what shadows of death — what terrors of hell may 
seize upon thee, before thou canst make thy peace, 
or settle thine assurance ! Wilt thou give way to 
sin because it is delightful, or because it is pardon- 
able ? Who loves poison because it is sweet ? or 
who drinks poison because he may have an anti- 
dote ? seeing it will work to his trouble, if it work 
not out his life ! I have a precious soul, shall I 
lose it for a lust ? I have a gracious God, shall I 
venture Him for a sin ? No, Lord, give me grace 
to resist sin, give me victory over it. Let me 
always reject that, for the indulgence of which I 
am sure to lose my peace, and endanger the loss of 
my immortal soul. 

A tender conscience give me, I,ord, 

And put thy fear within, 
That I may tremble at thy Word, 

And 'scape the snares of sin. 

All mine iniquities blot out. 

Thy face hide from my sin ; 
Create a clean heart, I^ord, renew 

A right spirit me within. 

Cast me not from thy sight, nor take 

Thy Holy Spirit away ; 
Restore me thy salvation's joy ; 

With thy free Spirit me stay. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 177 

Junk 10. 

This is He that came by water and blood, even 
Jesus Christ ; not by water only, but by water and 
blood : and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, 
because the Spirit is truth. He that believeth on 
the Son of God hath the witness in himself. And 
this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal 
life ; and this life is in His Son. He that hath 
the Son hath life. — 1 John v. 6, 10-12. 

JESUS came with water and blood ; not with 
water alone to sanctify us, but also with His blood 
to make atonement for our sins. We should, 
therefore, first of all, penitently seek and obtain 
remission of sins in His blood, then may we hope to 
obtain the water of life, the Holy Ghost, for our 
inward purification and sanctification. And His 
Holy Spirit will bear witness within us, that the 
Gospel is truth, and that God will fulfill His word 
by giving us everlasting life, as He hath promised. 
We have three witnesses of it in heaven, and three 
on earth. And if we believe in Christ, we have 
this true testimony in ourselves, and may therefore 
assuredly know, " that having the Son of God, we 
have life, eternal life ; for He is (according to verse 
20) life eternal ;" and, consequently, being in Him, 
we are already entered into everlasting life. 

Let all our tongues be one 

To praise our God on high ; 
Who from His bosom sent His Son, 

To fetch us strangers nigh. 

My Saviour's pierced side 

Poured out a double flood ; 
By water we are purified, 

And pardoned b\ T the blood. 

It cost Him cries and tears 

To bring us near to God ; 
Great was our debt, and He appears 

To make our payment good. 



178 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June ii. 
No man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that 
came down from heaven, etc.— Johniii. 13 ; Eph. 
iv. 9 ; Deut. xxx. 11-14 ; Matt. xi. 27. 

No mere man whatsoever has entered, or can 
enter into the secrets of God's heart in heaven, 
relating to the great mysteries of salvation, so as 
immediately and perfectly to understand them and 
make them known to others ; but this privilege is 
peculiar to the Messiah, who is spoken of under the 
character of "the Son of Man " (Ps. lxxx. 17, and 
Dan. vii. 13), and always had an existence in heaven 
as the Son of God, and who came from thence into 
an incarnate state, that He might reveal God's 
counsels to men. As many are perplexed about the 
Divinity of Christ, the following note may help 
them to conceive of that matter more properly : As 
the Divine and human natures were united in the 
person of Christ, some things are attributed to one 
nature which properly belong to the other. Thus, 
when it is said (1 Cor. ii. 8) "The Lord of glory 
was crucified;" and (Acts xx. 28) He is called 
"God who purchased the Church with His own 
blood ;" — the meaning is not, that He, as the Lord 
of Glory Divine, was crucified, or, as God, shed His 
blood — as if that nature could be crucified and 
bleed — but that the person who was the Lord of 
Glory in one nature, was crucified in the other, etc. 
So when it is said, " The Son of Man is in heaven, " 
the meaning is not, that He, as the Son of Man, 
was there whilst He was on the earth ; but that He, 
who was here in His human nature, was there in 
His Divine. 

My Saviour, whilst He dwelt on earth, 

As God in heaven had His abode ; 
So let me, by an heavenly birth, 

Live in the world, yet dwell with God. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 179 

Junk 12. 
/ will perform my good word toward you : for I 
know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith 
the Lord ; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to 
give you an expected end. Then shall ye pray 
unto me, and I will hearke7i unto you ; and ye 
shall seek me> and find me. — Jer. xxix. 10-13. 
See also Ps. xxiii. 4, 9. 

THERE is a valley where neither sun, moon, nor 
stars are seen, and in which the Christian has often 
to travel ; yet in the darkest place of it God is very 
nigh. This is the valley of extremity. It is into 
this valley that every soul must go before it can get 
a hold of Christ. It is here the sinner struggles 
with Jesus, and says, " I will not let thee go except 
thou bless me. " It is hard work traveling in this 
valley. Were it a light matter to rely on the faith- 
fulness of God in times of distress, what need to 
give us so many and various promises ? If our 
faith be right, we must also endure and wait His 
time with patience, which certainly is not an easy 
task ; since the promise of our Lord" not only tarries 
very often, but sometimes His providence goes 
contrary to His Word, and makes His Word seem 
to fall to the ground ; yet then we must remember, 
that these are the very ways and methods of God, 
which have ever been in the deep, and acted con- 
trary to our expectation. This the corruption of 
our natures requires ; and the wisdom of God ever 
chooses first to help us inwardly, by exercising 
faith and patience, and so prepares us for a right 
use of His outward favors. Thus we receive a 
double blessing at once from His hands. 

Who shall pretend to teach Him skill, 
Or guide the counsels of His will? 
His wisdom, like a sea divine, 
Flows deep and high beyond our line. 



180 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Junk 13. 
Behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the 
wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. — 
Hos. ii. 14. Come, my beloved, let us go forth 
into the field ; let us lodge in the villages. — Song 
of Sol. vii. 11. 

The Lord forsaketh not His saints ; — though the 
great waves of affliction come upon them, and nigh 
overwhelm them, because they have forgotten their 
first love ; and though the heavy tide of temptation 
be running strong against them, and they with 
their little bark of faith be unable to stem it ; 
though they have given their hearts to that in 
which the Lord delighteth not ; though they have 
backslidden often and far, — yet the Lord "will 
allure them, and bring them into the wilderness 
and speak comfortably unto them." O Lord, this 
world is nothing to me but a wilderness, a place of 
tribulation, where, being tossed to and fro, I enjoy 
no rest ; but when I lift up my heart and look for 
peace in thee, I am supported and comforted. 
Grant that I may thus be strengthened for the time 
to come, whenever I am at a loss what course to 
take. Let me always firmly believe thee to be a 
present help in trouble, who art willing and able to 
bear me up under all outward distresses, till I shall 
safely arrive at the rest of the people of God. 

Lord ! what a wretched land is this, that yields us no supply, 

No cheering fruits, no wholesome trees, nor streams of liv- 
ing joy ! 

But prickling thorns, through all the ground, and mortal 
poisons grow, 

And all the rivers that are found, with dang'rous waters flow. 

Yet the dear path to thine abode lies through this horrid land; 
Lord ! we would keep the heavenly road, and run at thy 

command. 
Our souls would tread the desert through, with undiverted 

feet; 
And faith and flaming zeal subdue the terrors that we meet. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. i8r 

June 14. 

When we pray, say, Our Father, etc. — Luke xi. 2. 
Ye ask and receive not, for ye ask amiss. — Jas. 
iv. 3. 

MANY say the Lord's Prayer who do not pray it. 
They do not care that God should say Amen, 
though they themselves will say so. They say, 
11 Our Father ;" but if He be their Father, where 
is His honor ? They say, '' Which art in heaven ;" 
but did they believe it, how durst they sin as they 
do upon earth? They say, "Hallowed be thy 
name ;" yet take God's name in vain. They say, 
" Thy kingdom come ;" yet oppose the coming of 
His kingdom. They say, " Thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven ;" yet will not stand to their 
word : for this is the will of God, their sanctifica- 
tion ; but they want none of that. They say, 
" Give us this day our daily bread ;" yet mind not 
the feeding of their souls with "the bread (Christ 
Jesus) which came down from heaven." They 
say, " Forgive us as we forgive others ;" but, alas ! 
if God should take them at their word, how undone 
were they, whose hearts burn with malice and 
revenge! They say, "Lead us not into tempta- 
tion;" yet run into it. They say, "Deliver us 
from evil ;" and yet deliver themselves to evil, and 
give up themselves ' ' to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, " 
etc. Yea, those generally sin most against this 
prayer who stickle most for the saying of it. 
Reader, how often hast thou been guilty of such 
vain petitions and repetitions? Wonder not, if 
thou prayest in such a manner as this, that thou 
receivest nothing. Labor to get a deep sense of 
God's majesty and mercy, that thy prayers may be 
fervent and earnest, and God will bless thee. 

Assist and teach me how to pray ; 
Incline my nature to obey ; 
What thou abhorrest let me flee, 
And only love what pleases thee. 



182 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 15. 
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for 
ever. — Heb. xiii. 8. Who of God is made unto 
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification ; 
that, as it is written, he that glorieth, let him 
glory in the Lord. — 1 Cor. i. 30, 31. He has 
finished the transgression , He has made reconcilia- 
tion for iniquity, He has brought in everlasting 
righteousness. — Dan. ix. 24 ; Isa. xlv. 24. 

Wherein have we that we should glory before 
the Lord ? Have we obeyed the law ? Have we 
satisfied, or can we satisfy, the Divine justice ? 
Where is the righteousness which we have of our- 
selves to give to God ? Let us look back upon our 
past lives — is it there ? Let us look into our own 
liearts — is it there ? Alas ! in ourselves we find 
nothing but misery ; but in Christ we find all that 
is good ; nay, He is Himself our All. He works 
and gives what is necessary to salvation, therefore 
we cannot, and need not, bring anything to Him 
of our own ; but since He is made unto us wisdom, 
righteousness, sanctification, and our All, we may, 
and must, rely only on His name, and draw every- 
thing from Him by the continual prayer of faith. 
And when by living faith in Christ He becomes our 
All, the law, sin, Satan, and even our own judg- 
ments, have lost their power and right of condem- 
nation over us. 

Jehovah speaks, let Israel hear ; 
Let all the earth rejoice and fear, 
While God's eternal Son proclaims 
His sov' reign honors and his names. 

I am the Last, and I the First, 
The Saviour-God. and God the just. 
There's none besides pretends to shew 
Such justice and salvation too. 

In me alone, shall men confess, 

Lies all their strength and righteousness ; 

But such as dare despise my name, 

I'll clothe them with eternal shame. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 183 

June 16. 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love 
one another. — 1 John iv. 2. / say unto you, 
Love your e?iemies; bless them that curse you ; do 
good to them that hate you ; a?id pray for them 
that de spitefully use you. — Matt. v. 44. 

Hypocrites may counterfeit the children of God 
in many things, but they cannot love their enemies 
from their hearts ; and yet by this we must try and 
know ourselves, whether we are really children of 
God or not. The world very easily, but very falsely, 
suppose themselves to be God's children ; but sin- 
cere Christians find it often very hard to believe it 
without a Divine sense and assurance of it ; it costs 
them many a sore conflict ; for if Satan disputeth 
the Sonship of Christ, much less will he spare any 
of us. But since a true love to the children of God, 
and to our enemies, is a sure evidence of our state 
of grace, we have our title clear to it, though we 
shall walk in darkness, and be destitute of all 
pleasant sensations. Give us, then, O thou Father 
of our spirits, the heart filled with love, that is able 
not only to love those that are of the same mind 
with ourselves, but also to love those that are 
opposed to us, and even to love those sincerely that 
do us wrong. Give the meek, the lowly, and the 
loving heart which Jesus had. 

Xow by the bowels of my God, 
His sharp distress, His sore complaints ; 

By His last groans, His dying blood, 
I charge my soul to love the saints. 

Clamor, and wrath, and war begone ; 

Envy and spite for ever cease ; 
lyet bitter words no more be known 

Amongst the saints, the sons of peace. 

Tender and kind be all our thoughts, 
Through all our lives let mercy run ; 

So God forgives our numerous faults, 
For the dear sake of Christ His Son. 



184 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 17. 

And he said to his servant, Go up now, look toward 
the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, 
There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven 
times. — 1 King xviii. 43 ; Jas. v. 17, 18. Seven 
times a-day do I praise thee because of thy righ- 
teous judgments. — Ps. cxix. 164. Daniel kneeled 
upo?i his knees three times a-day, and prayed, and 
gave thanks before his God. — Dan. vi. 10. 

Six times Elijah's servant looked toward the sea 
before he could see anything ; the seventh time he 
saw a cloud, but no bigger than his hand ; yet that 
cloud, within a few hours, covered the heavens 
with darkness, and the earth with rain. Just so 
may be the case with many a one when he is pray- 
ing to his God, as Caleb's daughter did unto her 
father (Judges i. 15). Thou hast hitherto made me 
the owner of a dry, a barren heart ; but give me 
now some springs of water, some feeling, at least, 
some sorrow for my sins. Well, though at six 
times bending of thy knees God doth not grant it, 
and though at the seventh there appears but one 
small drop swimming in thine eyes, yet be not dis- 
comforted ; that drop may prove a shower — the 
beginning of that may at last dissolve thy whole 
heart to water ; and as there is a full joy for 
the thorough conversion of a sinner, there may be 
a suitable measure of joy for one tear, nay, for 
one desire of a tear, of any one sinner that repent- 
eth. Grant, O Lord, that I may be able to come 
unto thee at all times in holy confidence of prayer, 
and that my prayers may not only be unceasing, 
but that I may with expectation wait upon an 
answer. 

If six or sixty praj'ers are past, 

Pra}' on and never faint ; 
A blessing surely comes at last, 

To cheer a drooping saint. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 185 

June 18. 

Ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land. 
But if you will not drive out the inhabitants of 
the land from before you,, then it shall come to 
pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall 
be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, 
etc. — Numb, xxxiii. 52, 55. See this fulfilled, 
Judges i. 27 ; chap. ii. 14, — Manasseh did not 
drive out the inhabitants of Bethshea?i, etc. , and 
the Canaanites would dwell in that land ; so that 
they (the Israelites) could not any longer stand 
before their enemies. 

The very same is to be observed in the holy and 
spiritual battles of the Lord. He that fights only 
against outward sins, is but very little, if at all, 
acquainted with the dangerous enemies in his heart, 
or the deep corruption of original sin, and so the 
tempter may easily gain an advantage over him. 
Experienced Christians guard more against the 
inward assaults of wickedness ; they are at peace 
with no sin, but keep up a constant war with all 
their most subtle and darling lusts. However, 
though the Canaanites, our inbred foes, must be 
conquered, they will dwell in the land, and cannot 
be wholly thrust out of the bosom, which makes 
the Christian warfare continue till death ; yet give 
me grace, O Lord, never to spare my sinful lusts or 
tempers, but to look unto thee to destroy them 
without delay, as soon as they begin to move or 
stir, that I may not be destroyed by them. 

O Prince of Peace, forgive my guilt, 

Though more than I can tell ; 
And from the power of sin release, 

And from the host of hell. 

Furnish me, Lord, with heavenly arms, 

From Grace's magazine, 
And I'll proclaim eternal war 

With every darling sin. 



is6 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 19. 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the 
earth. And the earth was without form, a?id 
void ; and darkness was upon the face of the 
deep ; a?id the Spirit of God moved tcpon the 
face of the waters. — Gen. i. 1, 2. We are His 
zvorkmanship, created in Christ Jesus (Note) 
unto good works, which God has before ordained 
that we should walk in them. — Eph. ii. 10. 

Therefore, before we can really grow in holi- 
ness, we must be born again. How is it possible 
for a man to grow in sanctifLcation, without a real 
change being first wrought in his heart ? It is the 
Spirit's way first to strip us of our own righteous- 
ness and strength, to shew us our nakedness and 
nothingness, to fill us with godly sorrow for sin, 
and then lead us to Jesus for pardon, sanctification 
and justification. Christ being the Vine, we must 
first be planted in Him, and draw nourishment and 
strength from Him \>y faith. When it is fulfilled, 
"they shall feed and lie down" on His pasture, 
" and none shall make them afraid " (Zeph. iii. 13); 
then we shall be able to bring forth good fruits, 
and obtain victories ; for it is God Himself that thus 
makes us perfect in every good work, and prepares 
a table for us in the presence of our enemies. 

I ask not honor, pomp or praise, 

By worldly men esteemed ; 
I wish from sin's deceitful ways 

To ieel my soul redeemed. 

I wish, as faithful Christians do, 

Dear Lord, to live to thee, 
And by my words and walk to shew 

That thou hast died for me. 

Oh ! grant me, through thy precious blood. 

Thy Gospel thus to grace ; 
Renew my heart, O Lamb of God, 

Thus shall my works thee praise. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 187 

Junk 20. 

In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. — 
Isa. xlv. 24 ; 2 Cor. ii. 14, and v. 19. 

Justification through faith in Christ, at first, 
is a very dark doctrine, hard to be understood, but 
afterward we find, by experience, that it would be 
impossible to be saved in any other way, and that 
nothing can be surer than this, though all mankind 
should turn away from it. And when we are made 
to see that our best performances are unclean in 
the sight of God, and could not be accepted without 
the covering of Christ's righteousness, then we are 
brought to submit entirely to Christ, and at last to 
look upon ourselves wholly justified through Him, 
which alone produceth rest, strength, and a gentle 
spirit, the true image of Christ. 

In vain do we hope to procure this rest by any 
reasonings or strong resolutions of our own ; for if 
we are sometimes able to master our affections by 
our own strength, this is yet a building of our own, 
and keeps us from earnest wrestling in prayer. We 
have now a form of godliness without its power, 
and are still deceiving our own souls ; for nothing 
can be pleasing in the sight of God, and profit us 
in the last day, but what He w r orks Himself. Away, 
therefore, w T ith all these doings of our own. Let us 
acknowledge the weakness and nothingness of our 
strength, and apply, in our poor, blind, naked, lost 
and miserable condition, to the blood and righteous- 
ness of Christ ; then we shall also find power and 
dominion over sin (Isa. xxxiii. 24). 

Sinners shall hear the sound ; 

Their thankful tongues shall own, 
Our righteousness and strength is found 

In thee, the Lord alone. 



t88 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 21. 

David's Declaration : — In the day of my trouble I 
will call upon thee ; for thou will answer me. — 
Ps. lxxxvi. 7. 

Divine Answer: — Then shall thou call, and the 
Lord shall answer ; thou shall cry, and He shall 
say, Here I am. — Isa. lviii. 9. The Lord is rich 
unto all who call upon Him ; and it shall come 
to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name 
of the Lord shall be saved — (this, to the comfort 
of the weak, is several times repeated in Scrip- 
ture) Joel ii. 32 ; Acts ii. 21 ; Rom. x. 12, 13, 20. 
Therefore when the righteous cry, the L01 d 
heareth them, and delivereth them out of all 
their troubles. — Ps. xxxiv. 17, and cxlv. 18 ; 
James v. 16. 

Oh ! glorious promise ! how T can God deny me 
anything now that I pray for ? He has passed His 
word for it ; His Son has purchased it ; the Holy 
Spirit inspires the prayer ; the Word holds it forth ; 
and the prayer of faith lays hold of it, and actually 
receives it. Prayer is the mouth of faith. If thou 
wilt have much, ' ' open thy mouth wide, and it 
shall be filled." Who, then, should not be stirred 
up to pray much ! Oh ! what foolishness is this, 
that we have nothing, but may obtain all from God, 
and yet are so loath to pray much and pray right ! 
Oh ! thou Hearer and Answerer of prayer, pour out 
upon my soul the spirit of prayer. Give me assured 
trust in thee, that thou wilt hear my prayer ; and, 
oh ! let not my hope of an answer rest on anything 
but the all-prevailing merits of my Redeemer. 

God knows the pains His servants feel, 

He hears His children cry ; 
And, their best wishes to fulfill, 

His grace is ever nigh. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 189 

June 22. 
Swear not at all ; neither by heaven ; for it is 
God's throne : nor by the earth ; for it is His 
footstool : neither by ferusalem ; for it is the city 
of the great King. Neither shall thou swear by 
thy head, because thou canst not make one hair 
7vhite or black. But let your commwiication be, 
Yea, yea ; Nay, nay : for whatsoever is more 
than these cometh of evil. — Matt. v. 34-37. See 
also James v. 12. 

Swear not by the creatures ; that, in effect, is 
swearing by their Maker. Neither swear by thy 
Maker, unless called to it by authority for the put- 
ting an end to strife : swear not falsely, that is call- 
ing the God of truth to witness a lie : swear not 
needlessly or rashly, as Saul did (1 Sam. xiv. 39). 
Such oaths or vows are ensnaring ; better broke 
than kept, but best not made at all. Swear not 
idle, common oaths, such as, O Christ ! — O God ! 
— Faith and troth !— By my soul ! — As I live ! — God 
bless me ! If we must give account for every idle 
word, much more for every idle oath, and most of 
all for horrible cursing and blasphemy, that pro- 
fanes God's name, and is the very language of hell. 
He that is guilty of perjury, not only is destroying 
his own soul, but is seeking to ruin his neighbor, 
by perverting justice, and robbing the innocent 
of his right. Yea, sometimes God takes a false- 
swearer and self-curser at his word, and strikes him 
dead on the spot. Lord, help the guilty to repent 
of their sin, and help all to watch and pray 
against it. 

From false, and rash, and idle oaths, 

Defend my tongue, O I,ord ; 
I,et salt of grace hang on my lips, 

To season every word. 



igo THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 23. 
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather 
give place unto wrath ; for it is written, Ven- 
geance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. — 
Rom. xii. 19. Say not, I will do so to him as he 
hath dojie to me ; I will render to the man ac- 
cording to his work. — Pro v. xxiv. 29. See also 
Lev. xix. 18. Recoynpense to ?io man evil for 
evil. — Rom. xii. 17. 

Judge ye then, my brethren, would it be wise to 
snatch the rod out of the all-powerful hand of God, 
to take it into our own, even was it in our power to 
do it? We are taught by the holy prophet not to 
avenge ourselves, it being daring presumption to 
usurp God's province, and to step into His throne. 
He that chastiseth the nations, shall He not cor- 
rect ? Might may overcome right for a time, to try 
God's children ; but whether that is done with a 
close hand, so as not to be discovered, or with a 
high hand, so as not to be controlled, God will, in 
His due time, shew Himself, and assert His right 
of vengeance against all that would take it from 
Him. It is therefore our wisdom to call to mind 
our blessed Lord's silence when He suffered, " who, 
when He was reviled, reviled not again ; when He 
suffered He threatened not," and to copy after it, 
committing ourselves to Him that judgeth righ- 
teously. 

Grace dwells with justice on the throne, 
And men that love thy word 

Have in thy sanctuary known 
The counsels of the I^ord. 

When God, in His own sov' reign ways, 
Comes down to save the opprest, 

The wrath of man shall work His praise, 
And he'll restrain the rest. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 191 

Junk 24. 

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. — 

2 Cor. v. 17. 

LET no man be discouraged from coming to 
Christ because he finds not in himself that godly 
sorrow for sin, that ability to repent, that disposi- 
tion of heart which he desires to have : we must 
first be in Christ before we are new creatures. This 
is a common fault among us ; we would fain have 
something before we come. We think God's par- 
dons are not free, but we must bring something in 
our hand ; whereas the proclamation runs thus : 
11 Buy without money," — that is, come without any 
excellency at all : because we are commanded to 
"come and take the water of life freely." There- 
fore do not say, I have a fretful disposition, and a 
hard heart, and cannot mourn for sin as I should, 
therefore I will stay till that be done. It is all one 
as if you should say, I must go to the physician, 
but I will have my wounds well, and my disease 
healed first. The end of going to Christ is, that 
this very hardness of thy heart may be taken away ; 
that this very deadness of thy spirit may be re- 
moved ; that thou may est be enlightened, quick- 
ened, healed ; that thou mayest hate sin, for He is 
thy Physician. Look not for sanctification, nor for 
genuine fruits of righteousness, till thy soul is 
united unto Christ by a living faith ; for it is faith 
that purifies the heart, and works (i. e., produces 
good works) by love. Thou must first be in Christ, 
grafted into Christ by faith, before thou canst be a 
new creature. 

I^ord, graft me in thyself, the vine, 

And feed me from thy root, 
So shall I in thine image shine, 

And bear much heavenly fruit. 



192 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 25. 

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are 
not expediejit ; all things are lawful for me, but 
I will not be brought under the power of any. — 
1 Cor. vi. 12. See chapters x. 23, and viii. 8. 

Many that are well affected to religion, and 
receive instructions of piety with pleasure and 
satisfaction, often wonder how it comes to pass that 
they make no greater progress in that religion 
which they so much admire. Now, the reason of 
it is, because religion lives only in their head, 
while something else has possession of their heart, 
and therefore they continue, from year to year, 
mere admirers and praisers of piety, without ever 
coming up to the reality and perfection of its pre- 
cepts. If it be asked why religion does not get 
possession of their hearts? — the reason is, not 
because they live in gross sins or debaucheries, — 
for their regard to religion preserves them from 
such disorders, — but because their hearts are con- 
stantly employed, perverted, and kept in a bad 
state by the wrong use of such things as are lawful 
to be used ; for our souls may receive very great 
hurt, merely by the abuse of innocent and lawful 
things. What is more innocent than rest and 
retirement? and yet what more dangerous than 
sloth and idleness ? What is more lawful than 
eating and drinking ? and yet what more destruc- 
tive of virtue than sensuality and indulgence? 
How lawful and praiseworthy is the care of a 
family ? and yet what so prejudicial as an anxious 
worldly temper ? Reader, follow the apostle, and 
beware of lawful things ; keep thy heart free from 
the power of them. 

O Lord, direct me in the use 

Of things that lawful are ; 
For lawful things may have abuse, 

And prove a fatal snare. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 193 

June 26. 
There are diversities of operations ; but it is the 
same God which worketh allin all. — 1 Cor. xii. 6. 

Some believers are remarkable for the strength 
of their faith in trials, even unto death ; others for 
liveliness and activity in duty ; others for wisdom, 
conduct and prudence, in temporals and spirituals ; 
others for their zeal in defence of the truth ; others 
for knowledge in the mysteries of truth ; others for 
meekness and patience ; others for outward useful- 
ness ; and some for an inward and spiritual life of 
communion with God ; but all these are the various 
gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, dividing sever- 
ally to every man as He will, and are given to 
profit withal. My fellow-Christians, let us hence 
learn a lesson of forbearance to our brethren. It is 
not right to judge of another by thine own pattern. 
Art thou a warm and active Christian ? Condemn 
not him whose endowments may be more placid 
and contemplative than thine. He who now creeps 
as a snail in humble silence, may, by one lift of 
Divine power, be raised higher than thou art. The 
same may be said of other differences among the 
followers of Jesus. Let us then no longer envy one 
another, or indulge a rash and censorious spirit ; 
but rather covet earnestly the best gifts, and faith- 
fully improve the talent committed to our trust, 
that each of us may receive that heart-reviving 
word, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

There is a voice of sovereign grace 
Sounds from the sacred Word ; 

ye despairing sinners, come 
And trust upon the Lord. 

My soul obeys th' Almighty call, 
And runs to this relief; 

1 would believe thy promise, I,ord \ 
Oh ! help my unbelief! 



194 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 27. 

Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from 
above. — James i. 17. See also Job i. 21. 

READER, it is a point of the greatest importance 
for thee to know, that every evil thing is of thyself, 
and every good thing of God. Without faith we 
cannot be saved ; but, saith St. Paul (Eph. ii. 8) 
" By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not 
of yourselves, it is the gift of God." We are called 
upon to repent ; but (in Acts v. 31) we read that 
Christ is exalted at the Father's right hand, to be a 
" Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to 
Israel." We must be born again, but regeneration 
is wholly of God's will : " Which were born, not of 
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will 
of man, but of God " (John i. 13). Saving knowl- 
edge is likewise the gift of God: "To you it 
is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom 
of heaven" (Matt. xiii. 11). Effectual calling is 
also of God's grace (2 Tim. i. 9). Justification 
is of God's grace ; we are justified freely. Adop- 
tion also is an act of grace ; He vouchsafes that 
high privilege, not in common to all, but only 
to so many as He pleaseth. Perseverance in duty 
is also God's gift; for "we are preserved by the 
power of God to salvation." Eternal life is also a 
gift ; for " the gift of God is eternal life, through 
Jesus Christ." A right knowledge of these things, 
reader, will keep thee humble and dependent upon 
God ; and not only dispose thee to give Him the 
glory of His grace, but to seek to Him diligently 
for it. 

"Whate'er I have, or ma} r possess, 

It flows from God above ; 
Comes from His bounty and His grace, 

And undeserved love. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 195 

June 28. 

We would see Jesus. Search the Scriptures ; for 
in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they 
are they which testify of me. — John xii. 21, and 
v. 39. Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and 
read. — Isa. xxxiv. 16. See also chap. viii. 20. 

It is remarkable that the wise men traveling to 
find Christ followed only the star ; and as long as 
they had that in view, were assured that they were 
in the right way, and we may believe had great 
pleasure in their journey ; but when they entered 
Jerusalem, — whereas the star led them not thither, 
but to Bethlehem, — and there would be instructed 
where Christ was born, they were not only ignorant 
of the place where, but had also lost the sight of 
the star which should guide them thither. Whereby 
we are taught this useful lesson, that when we are 
going to learn Christ, and seek Christ, who is above, 
to beware w r e lose not the star of God's Word, 
which only is the mark that shews us where Christ 
is, and which way we may come to Him. To 
which may be added, that if, with David, we make 
the Word of God '* a lamp to our feet, and a light 
to our paths," we shall not be led aside by every 
false fire that presents itself to us ; but by keeping 
close to the Word of God, we shall be brought to 
the knowledge of Christ here, and to the full 
enjoyment of Him hereafter. Reader, this little 
book is only designed to lead thee to " search the 
Scriptures," which are able to make thee wise unto 
salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Eternal life God's Word imparts, 
Whereon each fainting spirit lives ; 
Here sweeter comforts cheer our hearts, 
Than all the round of nature gives. 



196 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

June 29. 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your 
mouth, but that which is good to the icse of edify- 
ing, that it may mi?iister grace ten to the hearers; 
and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. Let not 

filthi?iess be once named among you, nor foolish 
talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient. — 
Eph. iv. 29, 30, and v. 4. But now ye also put 
off all these ; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, 

filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie 
not one to another. — Col. iii. 8, 9. 

Idi,e words are hurtful words ; they grieve the 
Holy Spirit, destroy what power has been obtained 
by prayer, and cause nothing but levity aud dis- 
traction of mind. Let this be a caution against 
talking too much ; for if it does not tend to the 
glory of God, it is nothing but corrupt communi- 
cation, the end of which is destruction and miser}*. 
May all Christians take heed to refrain their 
tongues, and never speak unadvisedly ; but always 
consider first, whether their words can be profitable 
to others, and acceptable to God in heaven. O 
Lord, teach me, by thy wisdom, "to keep tny 
mouth as it were with a bridle," and to weigh all 
my words like gold ! Let my heart and lips be 
moved and governed by thy Spirit, that both my 
silence and talking may be according to thy will 
and direction ! Grant that I may always chiefly 
converse with thee in prayer and thanksgiving for 
the good of my own soul and others ; and when- 
ever I am to open my lips in due time, let my 
words be so seasoned and blessed as to administer 
grace to the hearers. 

So let our lips and lives express 

The holy Gospel we profess ; 
So let our words and virtues shine, 

To prove the doctrine all Divine. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 197 

June 30. 

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the 
earth, and the top of it reached to heaven ; and 
behold the angels of God ascending and descend- 
ing on it. — Gen. xxviii. 12. 

This ladder the Lord Jesus Christ applies to 
Himself (John i. 51), and it may be considered 
as representing the Divine Providence, which 
governs all things. The several steps of the ladder 
are the motions and actions of Providence ; the 
angels going up and down, shew that the} 7 are the 
great ministers of Providence, never idle, but 
always employed in the preservation of the just ; 
their ascending, means their going up to receive 
the Divine orders and commands ; and their de- 
scending, their coming down upon earth to put 
them in execution. So that, in this representation, 
God signified to Jacob, now full of care and uneasy 
apprehensions, that the man who was under the 
custody and protection of Divine Providence wanted 
not company in a wilderness, wanted not security 
in the midst of dangers, wanted not direction in the 
most difficult undertakings ; since there were so 
many ministering spirits holding correspondence 
between earth and heaven, and daily and hourly 
"sent forth from God's presence to minister unto 
them who shall be heirs of salvation." Seeing, 
then, that these ministering spirits of God are still 
active in their work, shall I not enjoy the care and 
the direction of such holy beings ? Shall I not 
give up my poor soul into their hands ? Alas I 
how it clings to its own foolish ways ! May the 
God of grace deliver it from these ; for they are 
indeed folly ! 

Thou, Jesus, my safe ladder art, 

To lift me to the skies ; 
And on it when I find I'm got, 

My heart begins to rise. 



198 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 1. 

Alleluia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 
— Rev. xix. 6. 

God is the Lord of Hosts ; He is the great com- 
mander of heaven and earth ; He it is that directs 
all conflicts in war ; no field is pitched, no battle 
fought, but by His special order and commission ; 
and all for the accomplishment of His glory. But 
it befalleth us as it doth them who stand in the 
same level wherein two great armies are ready to 
engage : they conceive them to be a disordered 
multitude ; whom, notwithstanding, if they beheld 
from a high hill, they would discern that they 
were artificially ranged, and every man serving 
under his own colors. Even so men, who behold 
the state of the world with the eyes of flesh and 
blood, dim by reason of the corruption of their 
judgments and weakness of their affections, think 
all things out of order, they "see servants riding 
on horses, and princes going on foot ; that the 
worse men are, the better they fare ; and they fare 
the worse the better they are :" but if they would 
go into God's sanctuary, and judge of occurrences 
by heavenly principles, then they would confess 
that no army on earth can be better marshaled 
than the great army of all the creatures of heaven 
and earth, yea, and of hell too ; and that, notwith- 
standing all appearances to the contrary, all is 
well, and will end well, especially to God's people; 
and that the God of order will bring light out of 
darkness, and order out of the greatest confusion, 
could they but have patience, and let Him alone 
with His own work. 

The I,ord God omnipotent reigns, 
Commanding whatever He will ; 

And rebels that fear not His word 
Are under His government still. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 199 

JUI.Y 2. 

Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall; but 
the Lord helped me. — Ps. cxviii. 13. Preserved 
in fesus Christ, and called. — Jude 1. 

JESUS was in the council, undertook our cause, 
struck hands in the covenant as our surety, wrought 
out a righteousness for us, suflered our curse on 
the tree to redeem us, ever lives, and ever loves, 
and ever pleads our cause, while He represents our 
persons before the everlastingly gracious and infi- 
nitely just and righteous Jehovah, His Father and 
our Father, now well pleased with us, because 
accepted and preserved in the Beloved. Are these 
things so? And has the Lord, the Spirit, the 
glorifier of Jesus, enlightened our understandings 
to see these things, enabled us to believe, and as- 
sured our hearts of our own happy share and in- 
terest in them ! O my soul, stop, reflect, dwell on 
such wonderful power, marvelous favor, distin- 
guishing love, and appropriated mercy ! Now let 
all mine enemies exert their utmost power, I will 
not be afraid. Afflictions, pains, temptations, may 
await me, waves and storms may go over my head, 
Satan may sift me as wheat, the waters of death 
may prove bitter to my taste, yet I will not be 
discouraged ; He that died for me will take care of 
me ; He that pardoned my aggravated offences will 
heal my infirmities ; He that knew the power of 
temptation will support and deliver me out of all. 
This I believe ; Lord, help my unbelief ! The wis- 
dom, the power, the love, the promise, the cove- 
nant, and the oath of Jehovah, stand all engaged 
for the preservation of a poor, unworthy believer 
in Jesus. Alleluia. 

Why should I fear, though mighty foes 

Thrust at me every day ? 
The Iyord, who offers me His help, 

Is stronger much than they. 



200 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 3. 
Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart "; 
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. — Matt. 
xi. 29. Be clothed with humility ; for God re- 
sisteth the proud ', and giveth grace to the humble. 
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty 
hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 
—1 Pet. v. 5, 6. 

Such as are haughty and self-conceited, rush 
against the mighty hand of God, and destroy them- 
selves ; but those that are humbled under it, will 
be protected by the same. Whatever knowledge 
or skill we may obtain in the schools of human 
learning, the Scriptures do not yet allow us to be 
truly wise, but calls us blind and mere worldly 
students, till we learn to be poor in spirit, lowly in 
heart, and dead to the world (Prov. xi. 2 ; 1 Cor. i. 
and ii). Therefore, ''the more a man dies to this 
world, the more is he enlightened ;" and the more 
humiliating views he obtains of his worthlessness in 
the sight of Jehovah, the greater will be his capa- 
city of grace, and the more abundant supplies of 
grace will be administered to his soul. What is 
more precious in the sight of God than the soul that 
is broken from its own conceits and vanities, and 
has enlisted itself under the banner of Jesus, — a 
meek and lowly soldier of the Cross ? As nothing, 
then, O my soul, bend thyself in the presence of 
the Lord ! Lay that aside which is of this world, 
and putting on the garment of heavenly meekness, 
walk humbly with thy God. 

Lord, if thou thy grace impart, poor in spirit, meek in heart, 
I shall as my Master be, rooted in humility. 
Simple, teachable, and mild, changed into a little child : 
Pleased with all the Lord provides, weaned from all the 

world besides, 
Father, fix my soul on thee ; every evil let me flee ; 
Nothing want, beneath, above ; happy in thy precious love. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 201 

July 4. 

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God 

met him. — Gen. xxxii. 1. 

As Jacob was favored with a heavenly vision 
when he first departed from his father's house, so 
the Divine Being thought proper again to favor him 
with the same token of His protection on his return 
thither, in order to encourage him to meet with 
confidence those dangers he had to encounter. 
Hence we may observe, that when God designs His 
people for extraordinary trials, He prepares them 
by extraordinary comforts. We should think it 
had been more seasonable for these angels to have 
appeared to him just in the heat of his engagement, 
either with Laban before, or Esau after, than in this 
calm and quiet interval, when he saw not himself 
in any imminent peril. But God will have us when 
we are in peace to provide for trouble, and when 
trouble comes, draw comfort and encouragement 
from former experiences ; knowing assuredly, that 
He who has delivered in six troubles will also 
deliver in seven, and in due time out of all. This 
may be a representation of God's people at death, 
who, after a life of sore trial and heavy conflict with 
the triple-armed enemy of their souls, are trium- 
phantly returning to Canaan, to their heavenly 
Father's house ; and then the angels of God shall 
meet them, to congratulate the happy finishing of 
their labors, and carry them to their everlasting 
rest ; there to dwell with God and the Lamb, and 
in company with the whole multitude of redeemed 
saints, to sing the songs of praise in the New 
Jerusalem. 

May Jesus guide me on my way, 
And guard from threatening woes ; 

His presence turns my night to day, 
And disconcerts my foes. 



202 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 5. 
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy 

zvords thou shalt be condemned. — Matt. xii. 37. 

If any ma7i among you seem to be religious, and 

bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own 

heart, this mans religion is vain. — James i. 26. 

/ will take heed, that I sin not with my to?igue ; 

I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the 

wicked is before me. — Ps. xxxix. 1. 

The general turn of a man's discourse will clearly 
discover the bent of his mind ; for ( ' out of the 
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." 
Other outward marks may be imitated ; but not to 
offend in tongue, to be free from detraction and 
boasting, to speak the truth in love, to "let no 
corrupt communication (nothing contrary to peace 
or holiness) proceed out of the mouth," this is the 
finger of God. Here the hypocrite and formalist 
always fail. Let us earnestly pray for grace to 
bridle the tongue. "O Lord, set a watch before 
my mouth, keep the door of my lips," that I may 
never bring a reproach upon my profession, by 
speaking proud, false, foolish, or censorious words. 
But, on the contrary, may I speak the words cf 
wisdom, and, out of a meek and a pure heart, adorn 
the doctrine which I profess, by a holy and quiet 
conversation. Especially defend me in the pres- 
ence of them who fear not thy name, that I bring 
not a reproach thereon, by any foolish word that I 
may let slip out of my mouth. 

The tongue, that most unruly power, 

Requires a strong restraint ; 
We must be watchful every hour, 

And pray, but never faint. 

Lord, can a feeble, helpless worm, 

Perform a task so hard ? 
Thy grace must all the work perform, 

And give the free reward. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 203 

July 6. 

Loose them and bring them unto me. And if any 
man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord 
hath need of them, and straightway he will send 
them. — Matt. xxi. 2, 3. The Spirit of the Lord 
came mightily upon him, and the cords that were 
upon his arms became as flax that was burnt 
with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. 
— Judges xv. 14. 

Thus the Spirit of the Lord makes us free from 
all spiritual bonds ; for i ' where the Spirit of the 
Lord is, there is liberty " (2 Cor. iii. 17). Though 
I was torn from Christ by the enemy, yet, as a 
robber, he gets no right to me. Christ does not 
give up for this reason His right which He has to 
me on so many accounts ; and as soon as I am will- 
ing by His grace to give up myself to Him, and 
desire to be delivered from the power of Satan, He 
vindicates and saves me as His property ; I am His, 
Satan looses his hold, and nothing in the world can 
withhold me from Him. All the fetters must fall 
off. "The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon 
him, and the cords that were upon his arms became 
as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands 
loosed from off his hands." Help me to resign 
myself wholly into thy hands, and may the Spirit 
of the Lord loose my bonds, the bonds of sin. 

What though the hosts of death and hell 

All armed against me stood, 
Terrors no more shall shake my soul ; 

My refuge is my God ! 

Arise, O Lord, fulfill thy grace, 

While I thy glory sing ; 
My God hath broke the serpent's teeth, 

And death has lost his sting. 

Salvation to the Lord belongs, 

His arm alone can save ; 
Blessings attend thy people here, 

And reach beyond the grave. 



204 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 7. 

Make you a 7iew heart and a new spirit; for why 
will ye die, O house of Israel? — Ezek. xviii. 31. 
See also 2 Cor. v. 17-21. 

Many are converted, but not entirely to Christ 
and from their own righteousness, so as to be truly 
sensible of their abominable wickedness, and earn- 
estly to flee to Christ for a reconciliation and righ- 
teousness ; and therefore they never seek to Jesus 
to make the new heart and new spirit, but continue 
on in their mere outward moral state year after 
year. But to be truly a member of the spiritual 
body of Christ Jesus, there must not only be an 
outward morality, there must also be the inward 
spirituality, the sanctification of the heart, the 
renewing of the whole inner man in that heavenly 
knowledge, righteousness and holiness, which 
adorned the soul before the fail. O Lord, let me 
daily receive a word from thee, to nourish and 
strengthen my soul, so as to be renewed daily by 
it more and more. 

Oh ! for a heart to love my God ; 

A heart from sin set free ; 
A heart that always feels the blood 

So freely shed for me. 

A heart resigned, submissive, meek, 

My dear Redeemer's throne ; 
"Where only Christ is heard to speak, 

Where Jesus reigns alone. 

A'lowly and believing heart, 

Abhorring self and sin ; 
A constant heart, which nought can part 

From Christ, who dwells within. 

A child-like heart, that cries for food, 

And pines for love Divine ; 
An upright heart, by grace renewed, 

A copy, Lord, of thine. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 205 

July 8. 
Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled 
about many things. — Luke x. 41. Keep thy 
heart with all diligence ; for out of it are the 
issues of life. — Prov. iv. 23. This people draw- 
eth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth 
me with their lips ; but their heart is far from 
me. — Matt. xv. 8. 

As the virtue of a strong spirituous liquor evapor- 
ates by degrees in a vial which is not closely 
stopped, in like manner the life and power of the 
Spirit insensibly vanishes away, if the heart is not 
kept with all diligence. Of the former, remains 
only water ; of the latter, nothing but the form of 
religion, or perhaps some false principles and errors 
crept in. Therefore many must be tried and sifted, 
that they may know, like Hezekiah, what is in 
their hearts (2 Chron. xxxii. 31): consequently, 
what more needful than to take heed to our own 
spirits, and to keep close to the written Word ? for 
as the latter times draw nearer, the more plausible 
will errors and seducements appear, both on your 
right hand and on your left. Beware of being 
drawn off from the truth, either by the worldly 
prudence of half-hearted professors, or by pretences 
to merit in the self-righteous Pharisee. 

Lord, permit me not to be 

A stranger to myself and thee; 
Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove, 
Forgetful of my highest love. 

Call me away from flesh and sense, 

One sovereign word can draw me thence ; 

1 would obey the voice Divine, 

And all inferior things resign. J 

Be earth, with all her scenes, withdrawn ; 

Let noise and vanity be gone : 

In secret silence of the mind 

My heaven, and there my God, I find. 



206 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 9. 
My soul thirsteth after thee as a thirsty land. — Ps. 
cxliii. 6. Let him that is athirst come ; and 
whosoever will, let him take the water of life 
freely. — Rev. xxii. 17. If any man thirst, let 
him come unto me and drink. He that believeth 
on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly 
shall flow rivers of living water. — John vii. 37, 

38. 

When thou art dry and barren, examine thyself 
closely what may be the cause ; ask pardon for all 
known offences, and take care to amend them. 
And though thou shouldst not find an}'thing par- 
ticular, yet humble thyself deeply before the Lord ; 
but, at the same time, remember that thou art 
accepted, beloved, justified and blessed in Christ ; 
and in this disposition quietly wait the returns of 
some new drops of living water and grace ; but be 
also sure afterward to cherish and make a right 
use of them. Thus thou shalt be under the imme- 
diate care of the mighty God of Jacob. " And the 
Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy 
soul in drought, and make fat thy bones ; and thou 
shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of 
water, whose waters fail not" (Isa. lviii. 11). 

For thee I thirst, O Lord, I mourn ! 
When will thy smiling face return ? 
Shall all my joy on earth remove, 
And God for ever hide His love ? 

ANSWER. 

No ! ye that pant for living streams, 

And pine away and die, 
Here you may quench your raging thirst 

With springs that never dry. 

Rivers of love and mercy here 

In a rich ocean join ; 
Salvation in abundance flows, 

Like floods of milk and wine. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 207 

JUI<Y IO. 

My soul waiteth upon God ; from Him cometh my 
salvation. He only is my defence; I shall not be 
greatly moved. Therefore, trust in Him at all 
times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: 
God is a refuge for us. — Ps. lxii. 1, 2, 8. 

The more patient, believing and single-eyed we 
are, the sooner we shall see the salvation and vic- 
tory of the Lord. Double-minded souls have the 
greatest struggle ; and the slothful must tarry the 
longer. Sometimes, it is true, though we are faith- 
ful, yet we must cry out, "O Lord, how long?'* 
(Ps. vi. 3.) But nevertheless, He always hears and 
delivers us, though we do not see and feel it 
directly, but seem to suffer continually. In heaven 
we shall certainly see it, and reap the blessed fruits 
of all our afflictions and prayers. While we are 
upon this earth, the face of the Lord may often be 
obscured and hid from us, yet at length we shall 
"see the glory of the Lord in the cloud," and 
deliverance shall come out of the troubles that 
seemed to overwhelm us. Thus it is that the Lord 
works with His people, to keep them always in 
remembrance of Himself. Shall we not wait then 
for Him, even though He tarry long? Yes, my 
soul, wait thou upon the Lord ; He is a refuge for 
thee. 

Almighty God of truth and love, 

In me thy power exert ; 
The mountain from my soul remove, 

The hardness of my heart. 

From thee, that I no more depart, 

No more thy goodness grieve ; 
The filial awe, the fleshy heart, 

The tender conscience give. 

Quick as the apple of an eye, 

O God, my conscience make ! 
Awake, my soul, when sin is nigh, 

And keep it still awake. 



2oS THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

JUIvY II. 

/ have been young, and now am old ; yel have I 
not seen the righteous forsaken ; nor his seed 
begging bread. — Ps. xxxvii. 25. 

Sweet declaration ! encouraging experience ! 
The Lord indeed careth for the righteous, — for those 
who, having seen the want of mercy, rely for it 
upon the promise of God, that there is forgiveness 
with Him through the meritorious life and death 
of Jesus Christ. He hath promised that He will 
never leave nor forsake them ; that He will 
withhold from them no manner of thing that is 
good. He careth also for their seed ; so that they 
shall not beg their bread. He frequently provides 
for them, when their parents are no more, in such 
unexpected ways, that many who see it are con- 
strained to acknowledge, "This is the Lord's 
doing." And sometimes, while they are living, He 
brings bread to their mouths, and also furnishes 
them with opportunities to hear of and seek for the 
"bread which came down from heaven, and which 
endureth unto everlasting life ; thus snatching 
them from the jaws of ignorance and destruction. 
O Lord, if mine ears have heard — if mine eyes have 
seen — and, more especially, if I partake of such 
"blessings, thankfully may I own that thou art a 
God keeping covenant and mercy ; and make this 
proof of thy faithfulness a ground of reliance upon 
thee for all needful promised blessings ! Help me 
to cast all my cares on thee, and endeavor, by 
prayer, instruction, and example, that thy good- 
uiess may be sanctified to my seed. 

The I^ord, for His own mercy's sake, 
Will bless believers and their seed ; 

The parents He will not forsake, 
Nor let the children beg their bread. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 209 

JUXY 12. 

Strengthened with all might, according to His glo- 
rious power, unto all patience and long-suffering 
with joy fulness. — Col. i. 11. And they departed 
from the presence of the council, rejoicing that 
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His 
name. — Acts v. 41. That He would grant you, 
according to the riches of His glory, to be strength- 
ened with might by His Spirit i?i the inner man* 
— Eph. iii. 16. But the fruit of the Spirit is love^ 
joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness \ 
faith, meekness, temperance. — Gal. v. 22. 

Oh ! my soul, what encouraging words are these I 
How full of meaning ! The Lord our righteousness 
is the Lord our strength. He is near at hand ? 
believer, to strengthen thee according to thy need ; 
not in one or two respects, but with all might, with 
a supply suited to every various occasion, and that 
to the utmost, answerable to what may be expected 
from the exertion of ' ' His own glorious power. ' ' 
Happy state of the believer in Jesus ! though feeble 
in himself, surrounded with enemies, and exercised 
with a continual warfare, he shall not be over- 
powered ; for the promise and the arm of God is on 
his side. The Lord, who can do what He pleaseth, 
is in alliance, yea, in covenant with a believer ; and 
therefore he shall be made more than a conqueror 
through Christ who has loved him. 

Let me but hear my Saviour say, 
11 Strength shall be equal to thy day ;" 
Then I rejoice in deep distress, 
Leaning on All-sufficient grace. 

I glory in infirmity, 

That Christ's own power may rest on me ' r 
When I am weak, then am I strong, 
Grace is my shield, and Christ my song. 



210 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July I3 . 

Christian's Declaration : — My beloved is mine, and 
I am his. — Song of Solomon ii. 16. 

Divine Answer : — / zuill betroth thee unto me for 
ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteous- 
ness, and in judgment* and in loving-kindness ; 
and thou shall know the Lord. — Hos. ii. 19, 20. 

By faith in the blood of Christ we are accepted, 
and closely united to Him as our bridegroom. By 
faith we daily eat His flesh, drink His blood, and 
are sprinkled all over ; and need there is of a daily 
sprinkling, that our persons and services may be 
accepted, since the best of our works, our prayers 
and praises, our duties and graces, are all unclean 
till washed in the blood of Jesus. This appears 
from Heb. ix. 19-21, where it is said, that all the 
vessels of the ministry, and even the book, were 
sprinkled. By faith let us cling to this blood of 
sprinkling, which emanates from the cross, and let 
11s abide in Jesus, without whom we can bring forth 
no fruit ; for " as the branch cannot bear fruit of 
itself, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye, 
except ye abide in Him " (John xv. 4). 

Hark ! the Redeemer from on high 
Sweetly invites His fav' rites nigh ; 
From caves of darkness and of doubt, 
He gently speaks, and calls us out. 

" My sister and my spouse," He cries, 
11 Bound to my heart by various ties ; 
Thy powerful love my heart detains 
In strong delight, and pleasing chains." 

Dear X,ord, our thankful heart receives * 
The hope thy invitation gives ; 
To thee our joyful lips shall raise 
The voice of prayer, the voice of praise. 

I am my Iyove's and He is mine ; 

Our hearts, our hopes, our passions join ; 

Nor let a motion, nor a word, 

Nor thought arise to grieve my I^ord. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 211 

July 14. 

David's Prayer: — When thou saidst, Seek ye my 
face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will 
I seek. — Ps. xxvii. 8. / am thine, save me ; for 
I have sought thy precepts. — Ps. cxix. 94. 

Divine Answer: — They who seek me early shall 
find me.— Prov. viii. 17. The humble shall see 
this, and be glad ; and your heart shall live that 
seek God. — Ps. lxix. 32. Seek, and ye shall find. 
— Matt. vii. 7. For whoso findeth me, findeth 
life. — Prov. viii. 35. For I am the life. — John 
xiv. 6. 

Such arguments and entreaties we may use with 
God, to strengthen us in faith ; He does not want 
them, but we do ; and He is well pleased when we 
take Him at His word. For if we would not draw 
near to God in prayer till our hearts are quickened, 
perhaps we might never come to it. Therefore we 
must not indulge ourselves in such a state of dull- 
ness, but rather put a force upon ourselves, and 
pray against our natural inclination. Being faithful 
and instant in this, we shall certainly have our 
affections warmed, and great power and blessings 
given from above, that our hearts may live. O 
Lord, I plead thy precious promises, and thou canst 
not deny thy word. Thou hast laid thyself under 
obligation to help a feeble praying soul. Then let 
thy Holy Spirit abide with me, to quicken my soul 
when fainting, and to rule my heart in all things, 
that no sin may have dominion over me. 

I,ord, I address thy heavenly throne ; 

Call me a child of thine ; 
Send down the Spirit of thy Son 

To form my heart divine. 

There shed thy choicest love abroad, 

And make mv comforts strong, 
Then shall I say, My Father God, 

With an unwav'ring tongue. 



212 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 15. 

David's Prayer :— <9 my God, I trust in thee; lei 
me not be ashamed— Vs. xxv. 2. I?i thee, O 
Lord, do I hope ; thou wilt hear, O Lord my 
God. — Ps. xxxviii. 15. Let no7ie that wait o?i 
thee be ashamed. — Ps. xxv. 3. 

Divine Answer: — Hope maketh not ashamed. — 
Rom. v. 5. They that trust in the Lord shall be 
as Mount Zion, which abideth for ever. — Ps. 
cxxv. 1. Pray for help ; and though it tarry, 
wait for it ; because it will surely come ; it will 
not tarry.— Hob. ii. 3. Then thou shall know, 
etc. — Isa. xlix. 23. 

Does God delay His promises, and the enemy 
raise a suspicion against His faithfulness ? — remem- 
ber it is said, " Pray and wait." Wait for the 
coming of God's own good time. His time will 
come ; and " though it tarry, wait for it, because it 
will surely come." Thou art still alive, and shalt 
yet be a witness to God's faithfulness. If He was 
not faithful and true, He could not be God. His 
faithfulness is eternal, and as sure and as great as 
Himself; above all our thoughts. Thou shalt at 
last the more gloriously experience it, and not be 
ashamed. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but 
His word shall not fail, because " He keeps truth 
forever" (Ps. cxlvi. 6). Hath He promised, and 
shall He not perform ? Hath He said, and will He 
not do ? Yea, verily, His words are truth to the 
end of the world. 

Happy the man whose hopes rely 
On Israel's God : He made the sky, 
And earth, and seas, with all their train ; 
And none shall find His promise vain. 

His truth for ever stands secure ; 
He saves th' oppressed, He feeds the poor ; 
He sends the laboring conscience peace, 
And grants the prisoner sweet release. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 213 

Jtxv 16. 
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilder- 
ness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. — 
John iii. 14. And I, if I be lifted up from the 
earth, will draw all men unto me. — John xii. 32. 

This He spoke of His death. And it is the 
remembrance of His cruel death, of what He suf- 
fered, said, and finished, when He hung naked and 
wounded upon the cross, that relieves an afflicted 
conscience, and effectually captivates the sinner's 
heart to Himself. The sharpest convictions, if not 
relieved by this sight, will never teach the heart to 
love ; the strongest resolutions, unless made with 
this bleeding object in view, will melt away like 
snow. But a crucified Saviour is a powerful load- 
stone indeed ; multitudes have been drawn by it 
from sin to holiness, from Satan to God, from earth 
to heaven. Come then, my soul, contemplate thy 
Redeemer in all the stages of His humiliation work. 
Travel with Him from His birth to His cross, from 
His cross to His grave ; and from the grave behold 
Him rising the first-fruits of them that sleep. Go, 
my soul, and spend an hour with Him in Geth- 
semane; see His bloody sweat, hear His groans, and 
think what all this was for. It was for thy sins ; 
that He might redeem thee to God ; that He might 
bring back to thy Father who is in heaven a pure 
and a redeemed spirit. Then love Him. 

Was it for crimes that I have done 

He groaned upon the tree? 
Amazing pity ! grace unknown ! 

And love beyond degree I 

But drops of grief can ne'er repay 

The debt of love I owe ; 
I,ord, I would give myself away ; 

1 Tis all that I can do. 



214 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

JLXY 17. 

Charity stiff ereth long, and is kind ; charity en- 
vieth not ; charity vaunteth not itself ] is not 
puffed np, doth not behave itself unseemly , seek- 
eth not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh 
no evil ; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth 
in the truth; bear eth all things, believeth all 
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 
Charity never faileth. — 1 Cor. xiii. 4-8. 

O my dear heavenly Father ! I desire to love 
thee and my neighbor with a pure heart fervently, 
and beg thou wouldst let me know and enjoy thy 
love in Christ, as the only means of producing this 
love in me. For how can my heart be cold when 
resting at the cross of Christ, and feeling the virtue 
of His blood? Or how can it be hard, when lying 
in thy bosom, richly tasting of thy grace, and 
sweetly experiencing thine everlasting love to me, 
a vile miserable sinner ? Oh ! may a sense of thy 
love melt my hard heart into love, and change it 
thoroughly ; and change my longing desires from 
those sinful things of time that gender strife. 

Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews, 
And nobler speech than angels use, 
If love be absent, I am found, 
I^ike tinkling brass, an empty sound. 

Were I inspired to preach, and tell 
All that is done in heaven and hell ; 
Or could my faith the world remove, 
Still I am nothing without love. 

Should I distribute all nry store 
To feed the bowels of the poor ; 
Or give my body to the name, 
To gain a martyr's glorious name, — 

If love to God and love to men 
Be absent, all my hopes are vain ; 
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor tier}- zeal, 1 
The work of love can e'er fulfill. 



THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 215 

JUI.Y 18. 

David's Prayer : — U?ito thee, O Lord, do I lift up 
my soul. — Ps. xxv. 1. 

Divine Answer : — Thou hast heard the desire of 
the humble, thou wilt prepare their heart, thou 
wilt cause thine ear to hear. — Ps. x. 17. 

Faith only desires Christ, and does neither de- 
light in the gain, nor grieve much at the loss of 
temporal things; but "faith, through an earnest 
desire for Christ and His Word, rises above all 
creatures, and overcomes all worldly pleasures and 
fears." And this, being the work of God, will 
certainly be accomplished ; nay, is looked upon 
as really accomplished already in our desires and 
endeavors after it ; in the same manner as evil 
desires are reckoned for deeds in the sight of God, 
though they never proceed to outward acts. Let 
the inward desires of my heart be, that God, even 
the God of Israel, may sanctify me by the Holy 
Spirit, and raise my faith to embrace Christ as far 
more precious than all this w T orld possesses. May 
I, in my dear Saviour, see a Jordan in wmich I may 
wash and be clean ; and may my heart not aim 
after the streams of earth, w 7 hich have no healing 
power, but my health being in Christ, may He be 
all I seek after ; as whatever I may do, may I 
always seek the Lord ! 

I cannot bear thine absence, I^ord ; 

My life expires if thou depart ; 
Be thou, my heart, still near my God, 

And thou, my God, be near my heart. 

I was not born for earth and sin, 

Xor can I live on things so vile ; 
Yet I will stay my Father's time, 

And hope and wait for heaven awhile. 

Then, dearest I^ord, in thine embrace, 

I,et me resign my fleeting breath. 
And with a smile upon my face, 

Pass through the lonesome vale of death. 



216 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Jui,y 19. 

Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon 
thee ; thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast 
pleaded the cause of my soul, and redeemed my 
life. — Lam. iii. 57, 58. Fear not y for I am with 
thee. — Isa. xliii. 5. / am He that liveth and 
was dead : and, behold, I am alive for evermore; 
and have the keys of hell and of death. — Rev. 
i. 18. 

Christ has overcome death, led captivity cap- 
tive, and " by one offering, perfected for ever them 
that are sanctified" (Heb. x. 14). Whoever leaves 
this world believing in Him, being perfected 
already, has nothing to fear after death. O my 
heavenly Father ! dispose me to seek diligently 
after holiness ; and though the work of sanctifica- 
tion will be imperfect in this life, which should 
humble me much, yet let it cause no fear of death, 
nor disturb my confidence in thee, since my salva- 
tion and my confidence do not depend on a perfect 
holiness here, but on my being in Christ and 
adopted through Him ; which adoption the weakest 
child hath, as well as the strongest, though both 
are not equally sensible of it. For every true 
believer, whether weak or strong, hath eternal life, 
and shall not fall into condemnation. If, there- 
fore, I am a child of God, though a weak one, I am 
still an heir, and shall find life and deliverance in 
death. 

I am Alpha, says the Saviour,* 

I Omega likewise am ; 
I was dead and live for ever, 

God Almighty and the I^amb. 

In the I/Drd is our perfection, 
And in Him our boast we'll make ; 

We shall share His resurrection, 
If we of His death partake. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 217 

JUI,Y 20. 

What is the chaff to the wheat ? saith the Lord. 
Is not my word like as a fire ? and a hammer 
that breaketh the rock in pieces ? — Jer. xxiii. 28, 
29. 

Is there not great condescension in the everlast- 
ing Father of all sending to the sinful sons of men 
a knowledge of Himself, the infinite God, in lan- 
guage so plain and simple, that our finite under- 
standings can comprehend it ? Was there ever 
humility mingled with love like this ? Yes, I hear 
you say, the infinite God becoming man was greater. 
It was ; but this plain, and simple, and pure word 
of God contains the knowledge and purport of this 
still more condescending event ; and what were 
such an event without our knowledge of it ? To 
value this precious gift of God's word aright, let us 
inquire of what use it is to us. Hear God's own 
declaration, "Is not my word like as a fire? saith 
the Lord, and like a hammer that breaketh the 
hard rock in pieces ?" It is as a hammer to break 
down our hard and sinful hearts, and as a fire to 
melt and purify them. And what more convenient 
for our wants ? Our hearts are hard, deceitful and 
filled with everi* wicked thing. They need to be 
broken, to be bended from their pride ; they need 
to be melted to love and to godly sorrow ; they 
need to be cleansed of their pollutions, and God's 
word is powerful to these. May the Spirit of the 
Lord help me to study and apply that sacred word, 
and ma}- my soul by it be, every day, made wiser 
unto salvation. 

Thy word, almighty Lord, 

Where'er it enters in, 
Is sharper than a two-edged sword 

To slav the man of sin. 



2iS THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 21. 

Can two walk together except they be agreed? — 
Amos iii. 3. What agreement hath the temple 
of God with idols ? Come oat from among them, 
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch 
not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. — 
2 Cor. vi. 16, 17. 

Reader, I suppose thee a religious person ; one 
that has been converted by the power of grace ; 
one that is desirous to glorify God in life and con- 
versation ; one that has an interest in Jesus, and 
wants to have it made more manifest to thine own 
self every day ; one that considers this life as a 
passage to a better, and would be glad of a spiritual 
companion to go along with thee, for "two are 
better than one." Give not the right hand of 
fellowship to any before thou hast tried him, for 
two cannot walk comfortably together except they 
are agreed. Bring him to the law of God ; the 
eternal, moral law of God, contained in the ten 
commandments, and ask him, Does he look upon 
that law of God as the rule of his life ? If he denies 
it, avoid him. If he says he is not under the com- 
manding power of it, turn away from him. But if 
he says that he sincerely takes it as God's revealed 
will to him, owning the authority thereof over his 
conscience and conversation, "Thus saith the 
Lord," breathing after universal obedience, repent- 
ing and mourning where he falls short, and fleeing 
by faith to Christ for all peace and pardon, — take 
such a one for a friend and companion. And may 
the Lord ever enable me to receive into my affec- 
tions only those who are his dear children in Christ. 

I<ord, draw my wand'ring heart to thee, 

And reconcile it to trn T word ; 
Then will it well with God agree, 

And find communion with its Lord. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 219 

JUIA T 22. 

My soul fainteth for thy salvation. My soul is 
continually in my hand. Uphold me according- 
to thy word, that I may live ; and let me not be 
ashamed of my hope. Look thou upon me, and be 
merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those 
that love thy name. — Ps. cxix. 81, 109, 116, 132. 

O Lord, I love thy name, it is dear unto my 
heart. And, since thou art called merciful, gra- 
cious, long-suffering, and even the Lord our righ- 
teousness, I therefore depend upon nothing of my 
own, but throw myself entirely upon thy free grace 
and righteousness, which alone keeps me in peace. 
Without thee I am ignorant and weak ; and Satan 
being as wicked as he is cunning, what would 
become of me, if I was not kept and preserved by 
thee ? Thy name is a strong tower, the righteous 
enter there and are safe ; there let me abide also 
continually, so shall I be safe from every adversary. 
The power of Satan shall not prevail against me, 
neither shall the enticements of the body over- 
whelm the grace of the soul, but the Lord shall be 
my shield and my exceeding great reward. He is 
the Rock of Ages that stands unmoved, and on 
which all may find shelter. 

The arms of everlasting love, 

Beneath my soul be placed ; 
And on the Rock of Ages set 

My slippery footsteps fast. 

The city of my blest abode 

Is walled around with grace : 
Salvation for a bulwark stands, 

To shield the sacred place. 

Satan may vent his sharpest spite, 

And all his legions roar ; 
Almighty mercy guards my life, 

And bounds his raging power, 



220 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 23. 

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy 
name be the glory. — Ps. cxv. 1. For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. 
Amen. — Matt. vi. 13. 

How little reason have we to glory in anything 
of our own, since nothing but sin is ours, which 
even defiles that which is of God ! 

O Lord, grant that I may always give thee the 
praise of thy own, and ma}' learn to delight and 
glory in thee, having no other aim but to walk 
before thee in godly simplicity and sincerity. For 
1 ' he that walketh uprightly walketh surely " (Prov. 
x. 9). All disquiet of mind ariseth from our own 
lusts and unmortified tempers, which makes the 
bosom like a troubled sea ; and no settled calm 
shall we find till we have a single eye to God's 
glory, and can count ourselves worth}' of no good. 
Then we may draw comfort out of trouble, and 
learn to praise the Lord, both for what He giveth 
and for what He taketh away ; being sure that all 
things are working for our good, and tending to 
God's glory, which He knows best how to promote; 
and that nothing but sin can make us unhappy and 
miserable. 

Great God ! how infinite art thou ! 

What worthless worms are we ! 
Let the whole race of creatures bow, 

And pay their praise to thee. 

Our lives through various scenes are drawn, 

And vexed with trifling cares, 
While thine eternal-thought moves on 

Thine undisturbed affairs. 

Oh teach our hearts to bless thy name, 

For that almighty care. 
Which thou hast ever had for those 

Thine own who trul}- are. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 221 

JULY 24. 

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's 
elect ? It is God that justifieth ; who is he that 
condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, 
that is rise?i again ; who is even at the right 
hand of God, who also maketh i7itercessio?i for 
«5.-Rom. viii. 33, 34. 

There is a story, how the devil appeared to a 
dying man, and shewed him a parchment roll, 
which was very long, wherein was written, on 
every side, the sins of the poor sick man, which 
were many in number ; and there were also written 
the idle words he had spoken in his life, together 
with the false words, the unchaste words, and angry 
words, afterward came his vain and ungodly words ; 
and, lastly, his actions., digested according to the 
commandments. Whereupon Satan said, See here, 
behold thy virtues ! see here what thy examination 
must be ! Whereupon the poor sinner answered, 
It is true, but thou hast not set down all ; for thou 
shouldst have added and set down here below, 
11 The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all 
our sins ;" and this also should not have been for- 
gotten, that "Whosoever believeth in Him shall 
not perish, but have everlasting life." Whereupon 
the devil vanished. Thus, if the devil should 
muster up our sins, and set them in order before us, 
let but Christ be named in a faithful way, and he 
will give back, and fly away with all speed. 

My sins are great, I do confess, 

And of a scarlet dye : 
But Jesu's blood can wash me clean, 

As God does testify. 

Then let me to this cleansing flood 

A daily visit make ; 
And, washing white my sin-foul soul, 

To holy life awake. 



222 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 25. 

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass 
the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same 
image, from glory to glory. — 2 Cor. iii. 18. For 
He has left us an example, that we should follow 
His steps.— \ Pet. ii. 21. See also Phil. ii. 5. 

How pure and how holy is that life which the 
blessed Jesus led, when, a man of sorrows, He 
dwelt on our earth, enduring the same trials and 
temptations which we suffer ! yet He overcame 
them all, leaving us an example, that we should 
follow His steps. If, before we say or do anything, 
we would always consider whether it was agreeable 
to the pattern of Christ, a multitude of sins would 
be avoided. O Lord, however guilty and miserable 
I am, yet, when I can humble myself before thee 
as the vilest of sinners, and look up unto thee by 
faith, depending only upon tlry free grace, I enjoy 
peace. Grant, therefore, O my God, that this be- 
holding of thee ma} 7 be my constant exercise, and 
that, by this means, I may be strengthened cheer- 
fully to follow thy pattern, and be daily more 
changed into the glorious image of thy love, 
patience, and humility, and thus be ripening for 
eternal life. 

My dear Redeemer and my Lord ! 
I read my dut} r in thy word ; 
But in thy life' the law appears, 
Drawn out in living characters. 

Such was thy truth, and such thy zeal, 
Such deference to th} T Father's will, 
Such love, and meekness so divine, 
I would transcribe and make them mine. 

Be thou my pattern, make me bear 
More of thy gracious image here ; 
Then God the Judge shall own my name 
Among the followers of the Lamb. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 223 

July 26. 

He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and good, and 
sendeth rain on the just and unjust. — Matt. v. 45. 

Many serious people give alms to the pious poor, 
but are afraid of relieving a common beggar ; and 
it must be owned, that, as riches are a talent from 
God, they who have them must be discreet in the 
distribution of them. The religious poor have the 
best claim, but others ought not to be entirely over- 
looked ; as is plain from the conduct of God Him- 
self, for "He maketh the sun to rise on the evil 
and on the good." It may be said they will make 
an ill use of your bounty ; but what then ? Is not 
this the very effect of Divine goodness ? Is not this 
the very goodness that is recommended to us in 
Scripture, by the imitating of which we may shew 
ourselves to be "the children of our Father which 
is in heaven, who sendeth rain on the just and on 
the unjust?" Do I beg of God to deal with me, 
not according to my merit, but according to His 
own great goodness ; and shall I be so absurd as to 
withhold my charity from a poor fellow-creature, 
because he may perhaps not deserve it ? Shall I 
use a measure toward him, which I pray God 
never to use toward me ? Lazarus was a common 
beggar ; and yet he was the care of angels, and 
carried into Abraham's bosom. " I was a stranger, 
and ye took me in, ' ' saith our blessed Saviour ; 
but who can perform this duty, that will not relieve 
persons that are unknown to them ? "As we have 
therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, 
especially unto them who are of the household of 
faith." 

IyOrd, give me faith which works by love, 

And will good works command ; 
Which makes a neighbor's grief my own, 

And lends a helping hand. 



1224 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

TUIvY 27. 

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with 
me; thy rod and thy staff they, comfort me. — Ps. 
xxiii. 4. See also Exod. xiv. of the deliverance 
of the Israelites, and the destruction of the Egyp- 
tians in the Red Sea. 

To rejoice in the light of God's countenance is 
-certainly most pleasant, but not always so profitable 
to every one as sometimes to walk in the dark, nay, 
in the valley of the shadow of death. Some are 
more humble and cautious while walking in the 
dark than in the light ; and glimpses of grace are 
then exceedingly precious ; but such should con- 
sider for their humiliation, that darkness or dead- 
ness are commonly the effects of a wrong spirit and 
careless walk. O Lord, grant that w T hen I am 
deprived of sensible comforts, I may yet be enabled 
to rely upon thy bare word, and in death may be 
refreshed by the light of thy countenance. Amen. 
"Yes ; thou hast declared, ' ' that the righteous hath 
hope in his death *' (Prov. xiv. 32). 

Death cannot make our souls afraid 

If God be with us there ; 
We may walkthrough our darkest shade, 

And never yield to fear. 

May I but climb to Pisgah's top, 

And view the promised land, 
My flesh itself shall long to drop, 

And pray for the command. 

Clasp'd in my heavenly Father's arms, 

I shall forget my breath, 
And lose my life among the chalks 

Of so divine a death. 

Oh ! may Jehovah's powerful arms 

Around me ever be ; 
"Then, though beset with death's alarms 

My help shall be in thee. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 225 

July 28. 

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father; and 
know understanding. — Prov. iv. 1 . We speak that 
we do know, and testify that we have seen. — John 
iii. 11. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try 
the spirits "whether they are of God. — 1 John iv. 1. 

Reader, let the following monitions, the result 
of long experience and observation, be acceptable 
unto thee. They are designed for thy spiritual 
good, will warn thee against errors, and, if com- 
plied with, will give thee a true relish of gospel 
peace and and redeeming love : — Let " the life thou 
now livest in the flesh be by faith in the Son of 
God. ' ' Labor after a constant soul-reviving fellow- 
ship with the Father and the Son, through the 
Holy Spirit. Watch over thy passions, conduct, 
and conversation so as that the Spirit of the Lord 
be not grieved, nor His comfortable influences- 
withdrawn from thy soul. Be ready to every good 
work as thou hast ability and opportunity ; and 
take special care thy good be not evil spoken of 
through the manner of thy performing it. Let no 
external services whatever, either respecting thyself 
or others, make thee neglect a constant watchful- 
ness over the inward motions of thine own heart. 
Let the written Word of God be thine invariable 
rule, both in principle and practice. Be very 
earnest after meekness, humility, patience, self- 
denial, inward holiness, and all other graces of the 
Spirit ; these carry their own evidence that they 
are wrought of God, and in their blessed effects 
will remain with thee for ever. " My son, if thine 
heart be wise, and experienced in these things, my 
heart shall rejoice, even mine." 

I^ord, fill my heart with love and joy, 
And fill it with thy precious peace ; 

So will my tongue find sweet employ, 
And bless the I,ord my righteousness. 



226 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 29. 

David's Prayer : — Open thou mine eyes, that I may 
behold wondrous things out of thy laze. — Ps. cxix. 
18. See also Ps. xiii. 3, and xxxii. 9. 

Divine Answer : — / am come a light into the world, 
that whosoever believeth on me should not abide 
in darkness. — John xii. 46 ; Ps. cxlvi. 8. 

Many imagine their eyes are opened, and that 
they have clear notions of religion in their heads ; 
but they see just like Eve after eating the forbidden 
fruit ; their hearts being corrupted, are destitute of 
Christian simplicity and godly sincerity ; for he 
that does not understand the word of God by the 
light of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and faith, 
but only by his natural reason, is certainly blind 
still (Rev. iii. 17) ; and one devilish and plausible 
temptation to error and sin, is enough to break the 
strongest chain of human reasoning ; for it is only 
" faith that gets the victory " (1 John v. 4). O my 
soul ! get faith ; seek it earnestly from God ; thou 
canst not buy it ; thou canst not take it up of thy- 
self; thou must get it. "By grace are ye saved, 
through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the 
gift of God" (Eph. ii. 8). Nor canst thou get it 
nntil thou ask for it. Ask it then of God, and seek 
for it diligently. 

The souls enlightened from above, 

With jo\ r receives the word ; 
They see what wisdom, power, and love, 

Shines in their dying Lord. 

The vital savor of His name 

Restores their fainting breath ; 
But unbelief perverts the same 

To guilt, despair, and death. 

Till God diffuse His graces down, 

Like showers of heavenly rain, 
In vain Apollos sows the ground, 

And Paul may plant in vain. 






THE GOLDEX TREASURY. 
July 30. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot 
bear fruit of itself , except it abide in the vine; 
no more ca?i ye, except ye abide in me. I am 
the vine, ye are the bra7iches ; he that abideth i?i 
vie, and I in him. the same bringeth forth much 
fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing. — John 
xv. 4, 5. See also 1 John ii. 6. 

I can no more do without thee, O my dear 
Saviour, than the branch can without the vine ! 
Keep me therefore always in thee, else I shall have 
recourse to my own fancied stock of grace, though 
I have been a thousand times convinced of my 
insufficiency. May I never be left in the least 
thing to my own strength, but be directed, assisted 
and blessed by thee in all my doings ; for as far as 
I trust to myself, I am distrustful of thee, and con- 
sequently weak ; and, on the other hand, the more 
I distrust myself, the more I trust on thee, and 
shall be strengthened and blessed. Be thou my 
refuge and my never-failing friend. 

Son of God. thy blessing grant ; 
Still supply my every want ; 
Tree of Life, thine influence shed ; 
With thy sap my spirit feed. 

Tend'rest branch, alas ! am I ; 
Wither without thee, and die ; 
Weak as helpless infancy ; 
Oh ! confirm my soul in thee. 

Unsustain'd by thee, I fall ; 
Send the strength for which I call ; 
Weaker than a bruised reed, 
Help I every moment need. 

All my hopes on thee depend ; 
Love me, save me to the end ; 
Give me thy continuing grace, 
Take the everlasting praise. 



228 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

July 31. 

Offer unto God thanksgiving ; and pay thy vows 
unto the Most High: and call upon me in the day 
of trouble ; I will deliver thee, and thou shall 
glorify me. Whoso offereth praise glorifies me ; 
and to him that ordereth his conversation aright 
will I shew the salvation of God. — Ps. 1. 14, 15, 
23. See also Isa. xxv. 9. 

Nothing moves God more to hear us than the 
glorifying Him by faith with thanksgiving, and the 
keeping up a child-like confidence in Him as our 
reconciled Father in Christ ; and nothing quicken- 
eth faith more than sure promises of answering our 
prayers. Thus God will certainly hear and deliver 
us, since all His ways are only designed to 
strengthen us in faith, and to save our souls. What 
need we then to be afraid in times of trouble ? ought 
we not rather to draw near to God in prayer and 
thanksgiving, and glorify Him even beforehand, — 
confidently believing that we shall certainly meet 
with new deliverances and quickenings of faith ? 
Yes, my soul, wait thou upon the Lord, He shall 
save thee, and thou shalt be glad and rejoice in His 
salvation ; for in His favor is light, and with Him 
is power to order thy conversation aright. 

To what a stubborn frame 

Has sin reduced our minds ! 

What strange ungrateful wretches we ! 

And God as strangely kind ! 

Turn, turn us, mighty God, 

And mould our souls afresh ; 

Break, sov'reign grace, these hearts of stone, 

And give us hearts of flesh ! 

I,et old ingratitude 
Provoke our weeping eyes, 
And hourly as new mercies fall, 
I,et hourly thanks arise ! 



Let us come before His presence with thanks- 
giving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with 
psalms. — Ps. xcv. 2. 



Praise ye the Lord : for it is good to sing 
praises unto our God: for it is pleasant: andi 
praise is comely . — Ps. cxlvii. 1. 



Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous : with 
favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield., 
— Ps. v. 12. 



The righteous Lord loveth righteousness: 
His countenance doth behold the upright. — - 
Ps. xi. 7. 



(229) 



230 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August i. 
Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with 
them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 
— Isa. iii. 10. Therefore, mark the perfect man> 
and behold the upright; for the end of that man 
is peace. — Ps. xxxvii. 37. 

Many are for having that first which is not to be 
expected till the end. They would be glad of the 
triumph, but will not fight; the waiting for the Lord 
seems to them too long ; — but for the most glori- 
ous promises we must often wait the longest. Jacob 
w 7 as obliged to wait longer than Esau, though he 
had greater promises than he : and how long was it 
oefore the promise of Christ, the greatest of all, 
was accomplished ? It ought, therefore, well to be 
observed, that it is said at last, " It shall be well 
with the righteous, and the end of the upright is 
peace. " When his faith, love and patience are tried 
enough in the furnace of afflictions, then the accept- 
able year shall come,, and the blessed days of joy 
will appear. May I live the life and die the death 
of the righteous, and may my latter end be like His, 
full of peace, and joy, and rejoicing ! 

As sparks break out of burning coals, 

And still are upward borne, 
So grief is rooted in our souls, 

And man grows up to mourn. 

Yet with my God I leave my cause, 

And trust His promised grace ; 
He rules me by His well-known laws 

Of love and righteousness. 

Not all the pains that e'er I bore 

Shall spoil my future peace, 
For death and hell can do no more 

Than what my Father please. 



THB GOLDEN TREASURY. 231 

August 2. 
Examine me, Lord, and prove me; try my reiiis 
and my heart. — Ps. xxvi. 2. Search me, O God, 
and know my heart ; and see if there be any 
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ever- 
lasting. — Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24. 

Would David, the man after God's own heart, 
not trust himself, but present his heart to the Lord 
to be tried ? — much less can or ought we to trust 
our hearts ; " for he that trusts in his own heart,' ■ 
says the wise man, "is a fool" (Prov. xxviii. 26). 
We have more reason to be afraid of our own hearts 
than of all other enemies. It is not necessary for 
us to know when or by what means the Lord 
searches our hearts ; but every one that is really in 
a state of grace, and walking in the fear of the Lord, 
will pray to Him to search the heart, and to deliver 
him from every wicked way. The Holy Spirit hath 
various ways of searching "the hearts of His people, 
and makes use of different means with the same 
person. We are not to limit the mode nor the ex- 
tent of His operations ; but it is our duty to pray, 
that He will in everything guide us in the way that 
leadeth to everlasting life. Some may be worked 
upon very differently from what we have been ; but 
the whole is under the direction of Infinite Wisdom, 
and tends to manifest the glory of Divine grace in 
our salvation. " All things work together for good 
to them that love God " (Rom. viii. 28). 

Lord, search my soul, try every thought ; 
Though my own heart accuse me not 
Of walking in a false disguise, 
I beg the trial of thine eyes. 

Let not one wicked perverse way, 
Be found in all I do and say, 
But grant thy grace my soul to feed, 
And in the path of life me lead. 



232 the: golden treasury. 

August 3. 
Lord y all my desire is before thee. Teach me thy 
way; I will walk in thy truth; unite my heart to 
fear thy name. — Ps. xxxviii. 9, and lxx*xvi. 11. 

Encouragkd by thy blessed word of promise, O 
Lord, that before men call thou wilt answer, and 
whilst they are yet speaking, thou wilt hear (Isa. 
lxv. 24), I now draw nigh to thee, and present my 
supplication before thee. Teach me, by thy word 
and Spirit, the things of my everlasting peace. Let 
my soul be cast into the mould of the gospel, and 
let me be obedient to thy will in all things. Mani- 
fest thyself unto me, as thou dost not to the world ; 
shew me my inward corruptions, and let me see 
into the depth of iniquity that is in my heart ; grant 
me that ' ' fear of the Lord which is the beginning 
of wisdom ; incline my heart unto thy testimonies ; 
lead me into all truth ; help me to learn, that he 
that believeth will not make haste;" restrain the 
impetuosity of my natural temper, that I may do 
all things deliberately, as becometh one that feareth 
alway, that is ever looking unto thee for direction. 
Lord, preserve me calm in my spirit, gentle in my 
commands, and watchful, that I speak not unad- 
visedly with my lips ; moderate in my purposes, 
yielding in my temper, where the honor of my God 
is not immediately concerned ; and ever steadfast 
where needful. Lord, grant me thy protection; 
and may thy blessing be upon me, that I may not 
bring an evil report upon that good land I was per- 
mitted to spy out; but walk honorably through the 
wilderness, and pass triumphantly over Jordan into 
Canaan. Amen. 

Be with me, Lord, where'er I go ; 
Teach me what thou wouldst have me do ; 
Suggest whate'er I think or say ; 
Direct me in the narrow way. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 233 

August 4. 
Strive to enter in at the strait gate. — Luke xiii. 24. 
Work out your own salvation with fear and 
trembling. — PHI. ii. 12. Forgetting those things 
that are behind, I reach forth unto those things 
which are before. — Phil. iii. 13. 

The road to heaven is called a narrow road, 
because the travelers on it are not permitted to turn 
either to the one side or the other ; such turnings 
are sin. The gate to this road is called strait, be- 
cause on entering, you deny } T ourselves to all the 
pleasures of the world. He that feeds only upon 
Christ, and yet with fear and trembling works out 
his own salvation, is in the narrow way ; the former 
preventing discouragement, and the latter presump- 
tion. Grant, O God, that I may still continue to 
fight the good fight of faith, and never look back 
on the flesh-pots of Egypt ; but " rather choose to 
suffer affliction with the people of God, than to 
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." May the 
painful death which thou sufferedst on the cross, 
have an abiding place in my heart, that thereby 
unbelief and slavish fear may be destroyed on the 
one hand, and security on the other ; that I may 
walk at all times and in all places with holy and 
filial reverence, as in thy presence ! Amen, 

As new-born babes desire the breast, 

To feed, and grow, and thrive ; 
So saints with joy the gospel taste, 

And by the gospel live. 

Grace, like an uncorrupted seed, 

Abides and reigns within ; 
Immortal principles forbid 

The sons of God to sin. 

Not by the terrors of a slave 

Do they perform His will ; 
But with the noblest powers they have, 

His sweet commands fulfill. 



234 THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 5. 

David's Prayer : — Create in me a clean heart, O 
God ; and renew a right spirit zuithin me. — 
Ps. li. 10. 

Divine Answer : — And I will give them one heart \ 
and I will put a new spirit within you ; and I 
will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and 
will give them an heart of flesh ; that they may 
walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, 
and do them; and they shall be my people, and I 
will be their God. — Ezek. xi. 19, 20. 

A GLORIOUS promise, which may be relied on, 
and will certainly be fulfilled if heartily pleaded in 
prayer. "And blessed are the pure in heart; for 
they shall see God" (Matt. v. 8). In regard to 
justification, we are perfectly clean by Christ's 
atonement ; but in regard to sanctification, our 
hearts are not perfectly clean yet, but we have still 
need to pray, " Create in me a clean heart." Amen. 
O Lord ! may thy blood and Spirit cleanse and 
sanctify me thoroughly from all my sins ! Amen. 

Blessed with the joys of innocence 

A.dani our father stood, 
Till he debased his soul to sense, 

And ate th' unlawful food. 

Xow we are born a sensual race, 

To sinful joys inclined ; 
Reason has lost its native place, 

And flesh enslaved the mind. 

Great God ! renew our ruined frame, 

Our broken powers restore ; 
Inspire us with a heavenly flame, 

And flesh shall reign no more ! 

eternal Spirit, write thy law 

Upon our inward parts ! 
And let the second Adam draw 

His image on our hearts ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 235 

August 6. 
And Enoch walked with God. — Gen. v. 24. 

Happy they who, in their early days, are turned 
from sin, themselves, and the world, by repentance 
toward God, and faith in the promised seed, as 
Enoch was, who, from the time of his conversion, 
walked with God in a continued progress in his. 
work and ways. To " walk with God," is to come 
out from a sinful generation and cleave to the Lord, 
as Noah and Caleb did ; and God requires this of 
all believers (2 Cor. vi. 17). It is setting the Lord 
before our eyes continually, and fearing Him 
always, as Joseph and Nehemiah did ; thereby 
avoiding everything that would offend Him. It is 
also making an open profession of faith in Him and 
zeal for His service, as our highest honor and best 
interest. And further, it is such a walk as obtains 
a holy intimacy and communion with God, which 
is kept up by constant meditation, prayer and 
praise ; hearkening to the voice of His w r ord and 
Spirit, and walking humbly before Him ; hereby 
holiness is promoted and encouraged in the soul. 
Thus " Enoch walked with God ;" thus he main- 
tained a holy confidence in Him, committing all 
his ways to Him, always expecting help from Him, 
and rejoicing in the hopes of being with Him 
for ever. 

For these happy ends the grace of God is suffi- 
cient for all that see their wants, and ask it. The 
Lord help us to seek it, that, like Enoch, we may 
walk with God here below, and live with Him for 
ever in glory. Amen. 

My heart is prone to rove, I see ; 

I^ord, plant it near thy bleeding side ; 
Then will it kindly gaze on thee, 

And in thy love and fear abide. 



236 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 7. 

See that ye walk circumspectly ; not as fools, but as 
wise. Be ye therefore not unwise, but understand- 
ing what the will of the Lord is. — Eph. v. 15, 17. 
That ye may approve things that are excellent ; 
that ye may be sincere, and without offence. — 
Phil. i. 10. See also Luke xii. 36. 

Believers have nothing more at heart than the 
•will of God ; being once convinced of that, they 
immediately set about it at all hazards ; but some- 
times they cannot come to a thorough knowledge 
of the same without great conflicts and patience. 
1 ' For ye have need of patience, that after ye have 
done the will of God, ye might receive the promise ' ' 
(Heb. x. 36). For the flesh is exceedingly crafty 
and froward ; and though often forbid to go, it is 
as often calling out, " Howsoever, let me run" (2 
•Sam. xviii. 23). But the Lord will nevertheless 
carry them through. Yes, Lord, this thou hast 
done innumerable times. Oh ! that I may trust 
thee also for the time to come, and not be so weak 
in faith any more. Oh ! that my soul could feel at 
home with God, as in the presence of a kind father, 
and being glad in His presence, I might trust His 
offered grace, and walk not as the foolish, but as 
the wise, knowing and doing the will of the Lord. 

Beloved self must be denied, 

The mind and will renewed ; 
Passion suppressed, and patience tried, 

And vain desires subdued. 

Flesh is a dangerous foe to grace, 

Where it prevails and rules ; 
Flesh must be humbled, pride abased, 

I^est they destroy our souls. 

I,ord, can a feeble, helpless worm, 

Fulfill a task so hard ? 
Thy grace must all my works perform, 

And give the free reward. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 237 

August 8. 

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy 
are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth 
upon you. — 1 Pet. iv. 14, 19. Rejoice ye in that 
day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward 
is great in heaven. — Luke vi. 23. Whosoever 
shall confess me before men, him will I confess 
before my Father who is in heaven. But whoso- 
ever shall deny me before men, him will I also 
deny before my Father who is in heaven. — Matt. 
x. 32, 33. 

Every real Christian must expect persecution 
from the world ; and though he should take heed 
of giving needless offence by self-will or rash con- 
duct of any kind, yet should he not seek to shun 
the cross by what some men call prudence, or a 
sneaking compliance with the world, but be willing 
to suffer everything, rather than to hurt the cause 
of God in the least. We should openly confess 
Christ our Lord, and not mind being called fools 
by the wicked, as we know that at last they will • 
call themselves by that name, therefore care not 
for the approbation and praise of the world ; but 
count it a great honor to bear the reproach of 
Christ. Be willing rather to suffer persecution, and - 
to be one of the despised in this world, than that 
the name of the Lord should suffer any dishonor by 
the countenance you may wish to give to some sin ' 
in order to avoid offence. O my soul, flee such 
temptation. It is not the will of the Lord that you 
yield. 

Blest are the suff'rers who partake 

Of pain and shame for Jesu's sake ; 

Their souls shall triumph in the I^ord ; 

Glory and joy are their reward. x 

The I^amb shall lead His heavenly flock 

Where living fountains rise, 
And love Divine shall wipe away 

The sorrows of their eyes. 



238 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 9. 

Take heed to your spirit. — Mai. ii. 15. Those things 
which proceed out of the mouth come forth from 
the heart, and they defile the man. — Matt. xv. 18. 
The heart is deceitful above all things, and des- 
perately wicked ; who can know it ? — Jer. xvii. 9. 
The imagination of the thoughts of marts heart 
is evil continually.— Gen. vi. 5. 

Private loop-holes, sinful lusts, can hide them- 
selves at times so well as to seem quite dead ; but 
if we grow careless, they spring up again on a 
favorable occasion, and sometimes appear in a 
spiritual shape, and take a fine spiritual name. 
Thus, though the flesh exceedingly likes sensual 
indulgences, yet to flatter its lust of pride, and the 
vanity of being thought a perfect man, it will some- 
times endure great mortification. Therefore we 
ought always to be jealous of ourselves, and guard 
as much against self-righteousness as licentiousness ; 
for the flesh is never more fleshly and dangerous 
than when it has the most spiritual appearance, 
and covers its lusts with the holiness and spiritual- 
ity of angels. 

Sin has a thousand treach'rous arts 

To practice on the mind ; 
With flatt'ring looks she tempts our hearts, 

But leaves a sting behind. 

"With names of virtue she deceives 

The aged and the young ; 
And while the heedless wretch believes, 

She makes his fetters strong. 

She pleads for all the joy she brings, 

And gives a fair pretence ; 
But cheats the soul of heavenly things, 

And chains it down to sense. 

So on a tree divinely fair,_ 

Grew the forbidden fruit ; 
Our mother took the poison there, 

And tainted all her blood. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 239 

August 10. 

David's Prayer: — O send out thy light and thy truth; 

let them lead me, let them bring vie unto thy holy 

hill, a?id to thy tabernacles. — Ps. xliii. 3. 
Divine Answer: — The path of the just is as the 

shining light, that shineth more and more unto 

the perfect day. — Pro v. iv. 18. 

The wiser we are in our own conceits, the more 
negligent are we in prayer, and the more destitute 
of true wisdom and faith ; the more carnal are our 
feelings, the more trust and peace have we in our 
own righteousness : ' ' for the Lord gives sight only 
to the blind, and to the babes," who pray for it. 
Therefore the deepest humblings go before the 
greatest blessings. O my blessed Saviour ! since I 
am always blind and ignorant of myself, if I am 
not guided by thine eyes, I desire always to look 
up to thee, and do everything under thy direction. 
" O send out thy light and thy truth ; let them 
lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and 
to thy tabernacles." " Let thy mercies come unto 
me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy 
word" (Ps. cxix. 41). 

Prevent me, lest I harbor pride, 
Lest I in my own strength confide ; 
Shew me my weakness ; let me see 
I have my power, rny all from thee. 

Enrich me always with thy love, 
My kind protector ever prove ! 
The signet put upon my breast, 
And let thy Spirit on me rest. 

Assist and teach me how to pray ; 
Incline my nature to obey ; 
W T hat thou abhorrest let me flee, 
And only love what pleases thee ! 

O ma}- 1 never do my will, 
But thine, and only thine fulfill ! 
Let all my time and all my ways 
Be spent and ended to thy praise ! 



240 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August ii. 

By grace ye are saved. It is the gift of God. — Eph. 
ii. 5, 8. Not by works of righteousness which we 
have do?ie, but according to His mercy He saved 
2ts, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing 
of the Holy Ghost ; which He shed on us abun- 
dantly through fesus Christ our Saviour. — Titus 
iii. 5, 6. See also John iii. 3, 5. 

To rely on grace, and desire to be saved only by- 
free grace, is a sweet exercise ; but so far from 
being practiced enough, we have all need to learn 
the prayer of the Publican better still, since the 
Pharisee is ever busy to creep in again. But care 
must be taken that we do not build our faith only 
upon the sweet enjoyments of the grace of God, as 
it is procured by Christ, and promised to us through 
Christ ; for which reason God sometimes denies us 
sensible enjoyments, that true faith may begin to 
act like itself, and depend upon nothing but His 
free grace in Christ. iVnd this we have also bold- 
ness to do, should we ever seem to fall short of the 
due measure of faith, godly sorrow and repentance ; 
for since there is no merit to be placed in these 
things, there is no certain measure and degree pre- 
scribed to all ; but it is enough truly to hate sin, to 
desire grace, and sincerely to enter upon the Chris- 
tian race. 

'Tis not by works of righteousness 
Which our own hands have done ; 

But we are saved by sov'reign grace, 
Abounding through His Son. 

'Tis from the mercy of our God 

That all our hopes begin ; 
'Tis by the water and the blood 

Our "souls are washed from sin. 

Raised from the dead, we live anew, ~ 

And justified by grace, 
We shall appear "in glory too, 

And see our Father's face. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 241 

August 12. 

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the 
law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And 
ye know that He was manifested to take away oicr 
sins. — 1 John iii. 4, 5. All unrighteousness is 
sin. — Chap. v. 17. When He had by Himself 
purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of 
the Majesty on high. — Heb. i. 3. 

There is a far greater power in the blood of 
Christ to save and cleanse, than in sin to defile 
and destroy (Rom. viii. 3). The law became weak 
to do good, but it hath power to condemn : " The 
strength of sin is the law :" the law gives strength 
to sin, because, by virtue of the curse of the law, 
sin reigns and denies the souls of men, through that 
righteous curse, "The soul that sins shall die.'* 
But the blood of Jesus Christ hath greater power to* 
save than sin, together with the law, hath to con- 
demn ; for the blood of Christ takes away and 
abolishes it utterly. Where this blood is applied 
and brought home, sin itself cannot ruin that soul. 
The soul is poisoned and corrupted by sin ; but the 
blood of Christ takes away the guilt of sin, yet not 
the being of it ; as we are sanctified but in part, we 
can only plead with God that we may be kept by 
Almighty power ; and that Jesus may be for us, who 
is stronger than all that can come against us. 

O dear incarnate Son of God, 

Well wash me in thy precious blood ! 

Cast all my guilt into that sea, 

And let no lust have power o'er me. 
The shafts against my soul that sin and Satan wields 
Ward off, and be to me a refuge sure and shield. 

In sore temptations be my guide, 

My soul, in fiery trials, lead ; 

Me rescue from' the power of hell, 

Within tlry house make me to dwell ! 
And, oh ! at last, unspotted at thy Father's throne, 
Present me through thy perfect righteousness alone. 



242 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 13. 

Be ye not as the horse ', or as the mule, which have 
no understanding ; whose mouth must be held in 
with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. 
— Ps. xxxii. 9. Therefore, if ye call on the Father, 
who without respect of persons judgeth according 
to every man's work, pass the time of your so- 
journing here in fear. — 1 Pet. i. 17. 

READER, dost thou believe there is a God, and 
that He will shortly judge thee for every evil action 
thou hast done, and for all the secret iniquity of 
thy bosom ? — how, then, canst thou meet thy Judge, 
unless thy heart be changed and thy sins are par- 
doned? There will be no room for dissembling, 
excusing, or escaping them. Begin therefore in 
time, O wretched man, to consider how thou must 
appear before that awful judgment seat ! The door 
of mercy is yet open. Oh! call upon the Lord Jesus 
for repentance and pardon before the door be shut, 
and thou be lost for ever. The gulf of destruction 
is standing with an open mouth ready to receive 
thee ; Jesus is also standing with His arms stretched 
widely out to receive and to welcome thee back to 
His Father and to thy Father's love. Whither dost 
thou choose to go ! Oh ! go to Jesus ! 

O God, mine inmost soul convert ; 
And deeply on my thoughtful heart 

Eternal things impress ; 
Give me to feel their solemn weight, 
And tremble on the brink of fate, 

And wake to righteousness ! 

Be this my one great business here, 
With serious industry and fear 

My future bliss t' insure ; 
Thine utmost counsel to fulfill, 
And suffer all thy righteous will, 

And to the end endure ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 243 

August 14. 
Be strong and of good courage. I will be with 
thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Only 
be thou strong and very courageous. Oh ! sweet 
commandment ! Be not afraid, neither be thou 
dismayed ; for the Lord thy God is with thee 
whithersoever thou goest. Oh! glorious promise! 
— Joshua i. 5, 6, 9. See also Isa. xiv. 4. 

God calls upon us to be strong in faith ; and 
strong faith will make men cheerful and courageous, 
and enable them to overcome strong difficulties. 
Therefore, if thy feet and heart are bound for 
Canaan, trust stoutly in the Lord to carry thee 
safely through all the trials and temptations that 
beset thy path, and to defend thee in all thy con- 
flicts with the world and with Satan. Feeble as 
thou art, yet go on and fear nothing, for God is 
with thee. He that has but this one care, and fears 
not to displease Him, need not care for, or fear 
anything else ; his safety is ensured in the promise 
of God, who will keep him harmless in all things. 
Oh I thou God of Israel, who didst lead thine 
ancient people to their desired rest, grant me to be 
strong and courageous in thee while traveling to 
my Canaan of peace ; and may thy fear fill my 
heart ! 

Awake, our souls, (away our fears, 
Let every trembling thought be gone.) 

Awake and run the heavenly race, 
And put a cheerful courage on. 

True, 'tis a strait and thorny road. 

And mortal spirits tire and faint ; 
But they forget the might}' God, 

That feeds the strength" of every saint. 

From Him, the overflowing spring. 
Our souls shall drink a fresh supply ; 

While such as trust their native strength 
Shall melt away, and droop, and die. 



244 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 15. 

Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin 
of the world!— John i. 29. These are 'they who 
came out of great tribulation, and have washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of 
the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne 
of God, and serve Him day and night in His 
temple. — Rev. vii. 14, 15. 

These are they who have obtained pardon and 
purification through the biood of the Lamb ; they 
are the Lamb's wife, arrayed in fine linen, clean 
and white ; for the fine linen is the righteousness 
of saints (Rev. xix. 8). And it is because they are 
washed in the blood of the Lamb, that they are 
admitted to the immediate presence of God, and 
are before the throne. Nothing that is impure or 
unholy, or that defileth, can come there. He that 
washes himself continually in the blood of Christ, 
does not make light of sin, but detests it above all 
things ; for what can be more abominable than sin, 
since it cannot be taken away but by the blood of 
the Son of God ? This humbles true believers, and 
makes them watch against sin ; and if it has not 
the same effect on thee, Reader, matters are not 
right with thy soul ; for talking of the blood of the 
Lamb, and yet trifling with sin, cannot agree to- 
gether, but shew a false or a deceived heart. 

Now will I hate those lusts of mine 

That crucified my God ; 
Those sins that pierced and nailed His flesh 

Fast to the fatal wood. 

Yes, my Redeemer, they shall die, 

My heart has so decreed ; 
Nor will I spare the guilty things 

That made my Saviour bleed. 

"Whilst with a melting-, broken heart, 

My murdered Lord I view, 
I'll raise revenge against my sins, 

And slav the murd'rers too. 



THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 245 

August 16. 

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. — 
Matt. vi. 2. Henceforth there is laid up for vie 
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the 
righteous Judge, shall give me at that day ; and 
not to me only, but unto all them also that love 
His appearing. — 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

For this crown faith strives. And because this 
faith justifies, it makes the world say, Well, I also 
believe. But where is their conflict and conquest ? 
It is answered, I rely on Christ and grace. But 
Canaan was also a free gift of grace, and yet it was 
not taken without conflicts. And moreover, as 
worldly people are unacquainted with the wicked- 
ness of their hearts, they do not trust alone upon 
grace, but on their duties and outward form of god- 
liness, — self-love and pride still reigning in their 
hearts. When shalt thou, my soul, be driven from 
thy earthly stay ? when shalt thou hope alone in 
Jesus, and be saved ? How long shalt thou trust in 
an arm of flesh ? Oh ! turn now unto the Lord 
who begat thee, and in His strength fight, and thou 
shalt overcome all thine enemies ; in Him have 
faith, and with thee all shall be well. 

No works nor duties of your own 
Can for the smallest sin atone ; 
The robes that nature may provide 
Will not the least pollutions hide. 

Ye sous of pride, that kindle coals 
With your own hands to warm your souls.. 
Walk in the light of your own fire, 
Enjoy the sparks that ye'desire. 

This is your portion at my hands, 
Hell waits you with her iron bands ;. 
You shall lie down in sorrow there, 
In death, in darkness, and despair. 



1 



246 THE) GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 17. 

Run with patience the race set before us. — Heb. xii. 1. 

HE that runs, and wants patience, will never get 
to the end of his race ; for in the race of God's 
commandments men have foul play : one comes 
and rails on him for his zeal, for running so fast, 
when he thinks himself too slow ; another gives 
him a blow and strikes him down, and up he gets 
and runs again. Every man will make room and 
give way to him that is in a race here ; while he 
that runs the heavenly race may expect, and will 
find, many stand in his way, and stop him all they 
•can, so that he will have great need of patience : 
without it everything will offend him. What is a 
wise man, a zealous man, without patience ? He 
will bear nothing, suffer nothing, and can do no 
great good. David had many enemies that spake 
mischievous things against him, and laid snares for 
Iris life ; but he was as a deaf man that " heard not; 
and as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. ' ' 
Saul was twice in his power, yet he would not 
avenge himself of him ; he wanted neither courage 
nor wisdom ; he had a stirring spirit, a working 
head, was sensible of wrongs, knew himself inno- 
cent, his adversaries malicious ; his thoughts must 
needs be troubled, and yet he was his own man 
under all ; he committed his cause to God, his 
patience was in exercise, and he waited God's time 
of deliverance. Christ's active and passive obedi- 
ence made him a complete Mediator : may thine, 
Reader, make thee a complete Christian ! 

Awake, my soul, dismiss thy fears, 

The sword of truth gird on, 
The Christian warfare boldly wage, 

Nor think thou art alone ; 
For Christ, thy King, by His all-strengthening power 
Shall safely guide thee till thy conflict's o'er. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 247 

August iS. 

Whom God set forth to be a propitiation (mercy- 
seat) through faith in His bloody etc. — Rom. iii. 25. 

God hath set forth the propitiation. From all 
eternity he proposed Christ to be the mercy-seat. 
The spring of all is from the Father, who is love. 
He proposed, revealed, and made Christ known to 
Adam, to Abraham, and to the prophets ; He pro- 
posed the mercy-seat as an object of faith in all the 
sacrifices that were types of Christ ; — this mercy- 
seat is clearly and fully set forth in the Gospel 
dispensation. 

Whither shall I, a poor sinner, conscious of guilt 
and apprehensive of wrath, flee for refuge ? Where 
shall I find it ? Where but under the covert of 
atoning blood ! While others have recourse to 
refuges of lies, and would establish a righteousness 
of their own, in the Lord, my righteousness, I find 
rest and safety. Having fled for refuge to lay hold 
on the hope set before me, in Christ, my hope, I 
shall have strong consolation. Does Jehovah from 
this mercy-seat offer pardon to me, a rebel sinner? 
Shall I not hear this voice of mercy, and live, and 
joy in God, through Christ ? Will God commune 
with me from this mercy-seat, and bless me with 
the manifestation of His love? Oh ! delightful 
interview, when most alone, retired from the world, 
but least alone when with my God ! Oh ! the in- 
expressible pleasure of secret devotion, of " a life 
hid with Christ in God !" If the contemplation of 
Divine love here below be so ravishing, oh ! what 
shall I experience above? '^ly God, guide me 
here by thy counsel, and afterward receive me to 
glory. ' ' 

IvOrd, while I live, my light, my truth, 

My all-atoning- Saviour be ; 
While here, me by thy counsel guide ; 

At death, take me to be with thee. 



248 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 19. 
No man can serve two masters ; for either he will 
hate the one, and love the other ; or else he will 
hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye can- 
not serve God and mammon. — Matt. vi. 24. If 
I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of 
Christ. — Gal. i. 10. Love not the world, neither 
the things that are in the world. If any man 
love the world, the love of the Father is not in 
him. — 1 John ii. 15. 

Doth Satan tempt thee, either by pleasures, dig- 
nities, or profits? O my soul, stand upon thy 
guard, gird on thy strength with such thoughts as 
these : — What can the world profit me if the cares 
of it choke me ? How can pleasures comfort me if 
their sting poison me ? or what advancement is this, 
to be triumphing in honor before the face of men 
here, and to be trembling with confusion before the 
throne of God hereafter? What are the delights 
of the w T orld to the peace of my conscience, or the 
joy that is in the Holy Ghost ? What are the 
applauses of men to the crown prepared by God ?' 
or what is the gain of the world to the loss of my 
soul ? The vanity of the creature is far beneath, 
the excellency of my soul ; and the things of time 
not worthy to be mentioned with the things of 
eternity. Two masters, of such opposite principles 
as God and mammon, I cannot serve ; therefore 
Satan, upon the most deliberate consideration, I 
must give thee and thy service up, for thou biddest 
me to my loss. 

Two masters are too much for me ; 
Nor can the world with God agree ; 
Then, tempting mammon, get thee gone,. 
And let me serve mv Christ alone. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 249 

August 20. 
O taste and see that the Lord is good ! — Ps. xxxiv. 
8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and 
for ever. — Heb. xiii. 8. 

There is an infinite fullness of all spiritual bless- 
ings treasured up in Christ Jesus for all His people ; 
and out of His fullness they do receive, even grace 
for grace. But, alas ! we are slow of heart to believe 
the truth ; we please ourselves with small things, 
and come slowly forward to a daily growth out of 
that fullness. Young converts, enamored with what 
they have in hand, or living upon their feelings, 
are ready to flee from knowledge, as something 
dangerous and destructive of holiness ; and mere 
professors are apt to deny and even deride those 
precious feelings, as though the affections had no 
share in the Christian religion, and that the whole 
consisted in having a crowded head. Come, then, 
O my soul, divest thyself from the pride of party 
and the strife of tongues ! Be thou an humble sup- 
plicant at the feet of Jesus, for a live coal from off 
the altar, to purge away thine iniquity, and to warm 
thy affections ; and likewise for the aid of the Holy 
Spirit, to lead thee into "the knowledge of the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath 
sent." Then shalt thou not only taste but see, not 
only see but taste, both sweetly taste and clearly 
see, that 4 ' the Lord is good. ' ' 

Oh ! the rich depths of love Divine ; 

Of bliss a boundless store ; 
Dear Saviour, let me call thee mine ; 

I cannot wish for more. 

On thee alone my hope relies ; 

Beneath thy cross I fall ; 
Thou art my life, my sacrifice, 

My Saviour, and my All. 



250 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 21. 

We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even 
the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before 
the world to our glory. — 1 Cor. ii. 7. Even the 
mystery which hath been hid from ages and from 
generations, but now is made manifest to His 
saints. — Col. i. 26. 

There are some things declared in the Gospel, 
which are absolutely its own, that are proper and 
peculiar unto it ; such as have no footsteps in the 
law, or in the light of nature, but are of pure reve- 
lation, peculiar to the Gospel. Of this nature are 
all things concerning the love and will of God in 
Jesus Christ ; the mystery of His Incarnation, of 
His Offices and whole Mediation, of the Dispensa- 
tion of the Spirit and our Participation thereof, and 
our Union with Christ thereby ; our Adoption, 
Justification, and effectual Sanctification thence 
proceeding. In a word, everything that belongs 
unto the purchase and application of saving grace 
is of this sort. These tidings are properly evan- 
gelical, being peculiar to the Gospel alone. Hence 
the Apostle Paul, unto whom the dispensation of it 
was committed, puts that eminency upon them, 
that (in comparison) he resolved to insist on noth- 
ing else in his preaching (1 Cor. ii. 2). And to 
that purpose doth he describe his ministry (Eph. 
iii. 7-1 1 ). 

Reader, observe these two things : — What God 
reveals in His Word, let thy reason submit unto ; — 
what He proposes as objects or matter of faith, beg 
of Him to enable thee to believe. 

The hidden wisdom of God's grace 

No reason can explore ; 
Then help me, by the Spirit's light, 

To see, believe, adore. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 251 

August 22. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual 
blessings in heavenly places in Christ. — Eph. i. 3* 

Erom natural constitution we earnestly expect 
present gratification. It is by no means sufficient, 
therefore, to explain to us our duty, or enforce it 
by future rewards and punishments. There must 
be pleasures at hand, to outweigh the enticements 
of sin, and outbid whatever that sorceress can 
offer. The religion of Jesus is constituted in this* 
manner ; it brings the possession of the best happi- 
ness here — a rich foretaste in this life of heavenly 
glory. Salvation cometh of the Lord to the sinner 
upon believing, just as a most ample estate be- 
queathed to a beggar in debt ; at once it alters his 
whole condition, pays all he owes, supplies all he 
wants, gives him rank, figure and authority, to- 
which before he was a perfect stranger. Such 
blessedness, in the pardon of all my sins, in access 
to God with confidence, in victory over my spiritual 
enemies, give me, O my God, to enjoy ! 

Thou only Sov'reign of my heart, 

My refuge, my almighty Friend ; 
How can my soul from thee depart, 

Or whom alone my hopes depend ! 

eternal life thy words impart s 

On these my fainting spirit lives ; 
Here sweeter comforts cheer my heart 

Than all the round of nature gives. 

I,et earth's alluring joys combine, 
While thou art near m vain they call ; 

One smile, one blissful smile of thine, 
My dearest IyOrd, outweighs them all. 

IyOw at thy feet my soul would lie, 
Here safely dwells and peace Divine ; 

Still let me live beneath thine eye, 
For life, eternal life, is thine ! 



252 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 23. 

Spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy 
stakes ; for thou shalt break forth on the right 
hand and o?i the left ; and thy seed shall inherit 
the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be 
inhabited. — Isa. liv. 2, 3. 

How comfortable is it to the religious man to 
toehold an increase of the true worshipers of God ! 
and more especially in that place where his soul 
has dwelt among lions, and been " vexed from day 
to day with the filthy conversation of the wicked !" 
To see the banner of Christ set up there, and num- 
bers flock unto it, as doves to their windows, — to 
:see the kingdom of Satan weaken and contract, and 
the kingdom of God and His Christ strengthen and 
enlarge, — to see the hand of the Lord protecting 
and providing for His people, going before them 
like the pillar and cloud, refreshing them by day 
and by night ; — this is indeed a feast of fat things. 
Lord, grant that I may be thankful for what I have 
already seen, and may behold thy glory thus dis- 
played more and more. And while thou lengthen- 
est our cords, do thou help us to strengthen our 
stakes, by holding fast the form of sound words, 
living as persons professing godliness, shewing that 
we are Christians indeed, by love to each other, and 
keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace ! Thus shall our light shine before men, and 
the light of thy Gospel break forth on the right 
hand and on the left, and make the desolate cities 
lo be inhabited. 

Arise, thou Son of Righteousness, 
And bless the world with heavenly light j 

Break forth, and shew thy Gospel grace, 
Attended with thy Spirit's might. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 253 

August 24. 

If a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not 
crowned except he strive lawfully. — 2 Tim. ii. 5 ; 
namely, in faith, by which we have the victory. 
And as the enemies return again and again, and 
are always crafty and strong, we must continually 
be in arms. Until now the kingdom of heaven 
suffer 'eth violence, — Matt. xi. 12. 

With what is all this striving, and against what 
is this violence to be used ? Let the Christian — 
him who strives lawfully — tell. All hell opens 
every step he takes. He is determined to have his 
soul saved ; and to help him to this, all his sins, all 
his evil companions, are to be fought and van- 
quished. But to win heaven, he must strive law- 
fully, that is, strive in faith. If those cannot ex- 
pect to be crowned who strive, but not lawfully, 
what must become of those who do not strive at 
all? O Lord, strengthen me therefore to get the 
victory ; for it greatly exalts thy glory if the power 
of mine enemies be broken ; and thy grace is able 
to overcome the greatest power of sin, and will 
destroy it effectually at last, since thou hast prom- 
ised that grace shall endure, and grow, and con- 
quer, while sin is condemned to death, and is 
actually dying more and more, when nailed to the 
cross of Christ. 

Stand up, my soul, shake off thy fears, 

And gird the Gospel armor on ; 
March to the gates of endless joys, 

Where thy great Captain Saviour's gone. 

What though the Prince of Darkness rage, 

And waste the fury of his spite ? 
Eternal chains confine him down 

To fiery deeps and endless night. 

What though thine inward lusts rebel? 

*Tis but a struggling gasp for life ; 
The weapons of victorious grace 

Shall slay thy sins and end the strife. 



254 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 25. 

It is not of him that willeth, but of God that shew- 

eth mercy. — Rom. ix. 16. Thou hast a little 

strength. — Rev. iii. 8. But go hi this thy might, 

etc. Surely I will be with thee. — Judges vi. 14, 16. 

A LITTLE strength is also the strength of God 
through Christ, the second Adam ; and, conse- 
quently, stronger than the power of Satan and the 
first Adam should it seem ever so strong. Be- 
lievers in such a state may think themselves weaker 
than before they had any grace, not being able now 
to put such a force upon themselves as formerly ; 
because they dare not now be wrought on by pride: 
for they no longer swim with the stream, and expe- 
rience no resistance ; but swimming against the 
stream, feel the force of the current of lust. But it 
is to be remembered, that hypocrisy and proud 
nature, desirous of being seen, can outdo grace in 
many outward things, and have a better appear- 
ance in the e} T es of man ; for real Christians, not 
being willing to be worked upon by nature any 
longer, and yet having but little strength, cannot 
put such a constraint upon themselves continually, 
but they may be in this manner tossed to and fro ; 
which the Lord wisely permits for their good, to 
convince them the more of their own insufficiency 
and nothingness, that they may rely on the strength 
of the Lord. Therefore we must not give over 
praying and hoping in this case ; but as it is only 
the mercy and power of Christ which preserves 
and strengthens the poor and feeble, we rather 
ought to be more earnest in drawing near to Him 
with all our misery, weariness and nakedness. 

Mere mortal power shall fade and die, 

And youthful vigor cease ; 
But we that wait upon the Lord, 

Shall feel our strength increase. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 255 

August 26. 
If after they have escaped the pollutions of the 
world, through the knowledge of the Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled 
therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with 
them than the beginning. — 2 Peter ii. 20. 

Some affirm that experienced Christians meet 
with no strong temptations, and feel no evil sug- 
gestions from within, and, of consequence, no 
strivings against the same : but it is quite the con- 
trary ; for beginners strive generally more against 
the outward pollutions of the world, whilst the ex- 
perienced turn their force more against their inward 
and spiritual iniquities. Therefore take heed to 
your spirit, though your meaning be ever so good, 
and your assurance ever so great. Be not high- 
minded, for fear of falling. Beware of all sins ; for 
the least may, unawares, and by degrees, draw thee 
into many others, so as to be at last entangled in 
such a manner, that without great watchfulness it 
will be impossible to be disengaged ; therefore, be 
not deceived ; flee all occasions of sin. Say not 
within thyself, It is a light matter, it only concerns 
outward things, which do not belong to the essence 
of Christianity ; for such outward liberty is a sure 
evidence of a false inward levity of mind. And by 
conforming to the world, we give a good handle ta 
the enemy of souls to ruin us ; and by sad experi- 
ence, we shall be convinced in time, that our latter 
end is worse than the beginning. 

Oh ! for a persevering power 

To keep thy just commands ; 
We would defile our hearts no more, 

No more pollute our hands. 

Oh ! for the grace that keeps our souls 

In Jesus every hour, 
We'd wash our hands in innocence, 

Nor feel the Tempter's power. 



256 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 27. 
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly 
love; in honor preferring one another. If it be 
possible \ as much as lieth in you, live peaceably 
with all men. — Rom. xii. 10, 18. Follow peace 
with all men, and holiness, without which no 
man shall see the Lord. — Heb. xii. 14. 

ThKRE is much contest in the world about pro- 
perty ; but believers taking Christ for their only 
property, whom nobody can take from them, have, 
in Him alone, immense treasures and lasting peace. 
And since wrath and anger turn into nothing but 
-disquietness, and are punished by themselves, why 
dost thou suffer thyself to be easily moved by 
them ? The least provocation, even a single word, 
perhaps, will stir up the corruption of thine heart, 
so as to change thy countenance and make thee 
utter dreadful words. Therefore, consider how 
God bears with thee, and what an abomination 
anger is. It is a fire from hell, the true image of 
the old Dragon ; but being called to bear the image 
of God, and bring forth the fruits of the good 
Spirit, thou art to follow the lamb-like mind of 
Christ : and to that purpose, it is highly necessary, 
first, To avoid all occasions of strife and contention ; 
secondly, To bridle our tongue if quarrels arise ; 
thirdly, To suffer when we are wronged ; fourthly, 
To pray directly, and quench the sparks of fire 
before they break out into a flame. This is the 
^easiest and the only method to prevent great trou- 
bles, and lead a peaceful, happy life : for anger 
carries uneasiness ; and love a sweet rest in itself. 

Blessed are the men of peaceful life, 
Who quench the coals of growing strife ; 
They shall be called the heirs of bliss, 
The sons of God, the God of Peace. 



THE GOLDKN TREASURY. 257 

August 28. 

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into 
the holiest by the blood of Jesus, etc., let us dram 
near with a hue heart, in full assurance of faith y 
having our hearts sprinkled (with the blood of 
Christ, by which He once entered into the Holy 
Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us, 
and purged our conscience from dead works, to 
serve the living God) from an evil conscience ^ and 
our bodies washed with pure water. — Heb. x. 
19-22. 

Christ has for ever purged our sin by Himself ; 
"for by one offering He hath perfected for ever 
them that are sanctified " (chap. x. 14); and to this 
sprinkling of the blood of Christ, all believers, 
even the weakest, are to come, in order to receive 
the forgiveness of sins ; and the blood is said to be 
sprinkled, to shew the need of its application to the 
conscience by the Hory Spirit. In this purple 
fountain the believer daily washes ; it is his element 
and life. Thus he ' ' lives by the faith of the Son 
of God, who also loved him," always applying His 
ransom to his soul, and pleading His merits before 
his heavenly Father, which keeps his conscience- 
pure and easy. Oh ! may I be enabled every day, 
by faith, to wash in the fountain of Christ's blood \ 

They find access at every hour 

To God within the veil ; 
Hence they derive a quickening power v 

And joys that never fail. 

Oh ! may this happy lot be mine, 

Daily to live to Christ ; 
And like the favored of the twelve, 

To lean upon His breast. 

Oh ! happy soul ! oh ! glorious state 

Of ever-flowing grace ! 
To dwell so near the Father's throne, 

And see His holv face. 



258 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 29. 
That which may be known of God is manifest in 
them ; for God has shewed it unto them. — Rom. 
i. 19. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and 
Paul, heard of they rent their clothes, and ran in 
among the people, crying out and saying, Sirs y 
why do ye these things ? etc. — Acts xiv. 14, to end. 

There are some things declared and enjoined in 
the Gospel which have their foundation in the 
law and light of nature ; such are all the moral 
duties which are taught therein ; these, the re- 
maining light of nature, though obscurely, yet 
does teach and confirm. The apostle, speaking 
of mankind in general, says, " That which may 
be known of God is manifest in them j" the 
essential properties of God rendering our moral 
duty to Him necessary, are known by the light 
of nature ; and by the same light are men able to 
make a judgment of their actions, whether they 
be good or evil (Rom. ii. 14, 15). The same law 
and light which discover these things, do also 
enjoin their observance. Thus it is with all men 
before the preaching of the Gospel to them. The 
Gospel adds two things to the minds of men : — 
1. It directs us to a right performance of these 
things from a right principle, by a right rule, and 
to a right end, so that they, and we in them, may 
obtain acceptance with God. Hereby it gives them 
a new nature, and turns moral duties into evan- 
gelical obedience. 2. By a communication of that 
Spirit which is joined to its dispensation, it sup- 
plies us with strength for their performance in the 
manner it directs. 

May God the fruits of heavenly grace 

Produce within my heart ; 
And by that grace may many learn 
To choose the better part. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 259 

August 30. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? 
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or 
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, 
in all these things we are more than conquerors, 
through Him that loved us. For lam persuaded, 
that neither death nor life shall separate us from 
the love of God which is in Christ fesus our 
Lord.— Rom. viii. 35, 37-39. 

Stars shine brightest in the darkest night ; 
torches are better for beating ; grapes come not to 
the proof till they come to the press ; spices smell 
best when bruised ; young trees root the faster for 
shaking ; gold looks brighter for scouring ; juniper 
smells sweetest in the fire ; the palm- tree proves 
the better for pressing ; chamomile, the more you 
tread it, the more you spread it. Such is the condi- 
tion of all God's children : they are then most 
triumphant when most tempted ; most glorious 
when most afflicted ; most in favor of God when 
least in man's, and least in their own ; as their 
conflicts, so their conquests ; as their tribulations, 
so their triumphs ; true salamanders, that live best 
in the furnace of persecution : so that heavy afflic- 
tions are the best benefactors to heavenly affections; 
and where afflictions hang heaviest, corruptions 
hang loosest ; and grace, that is hid in nature, as 
sweet water in rose- leaves, is then most fragrant 
when the fire of affliction is put under to distil it 
out. 

My life, and all its comforts too, 
From God's abundant bounty flow ; 
And when He calleth back His own, 
Contented I would lay it down. 

Then if men scorn and Satan roar, 
Yet, strengthened by the God of power, 
His faithful witness I shall be ; 
Though weak, I can do all through Thee. 



260 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

August 31. 
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away; for> 
to, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 
the flowers appear on the earth ; the time of the 
singing of birds is come, and the voice of the 
turtle is heard in our land, etc. Arise, my love, 
my fair one, and come away. O my dove, thou 
art in the clefts of the rock, etc.— Song of Sol. 
ii. 10-14. 

O Lord, how often has it been winter with me, 
but thou hast always quickened me again ! Grant 
that by these experiences I may be so used to thy 
ways, as always to expect the best from thee in 
everything, and to have only this one care, namely, 
how I may please thee as thy bride and dove, and 
be accepted through thee with thy Father ! Let 
my faith be so strengthened by all thy various 
dealings with me, that at last I may have boldness, 
and find complete rest in thy wounds, my crucified 
Saviour, where there is room for the greatest of 
sinners, even for me who am the chief. 

The voice of my Beloved sounds 
Over the rocks and rising grounds ; 
O'er hills of guilt, and seas of grief. 
He leaps, He flies to my relief. 

Gently He draws my heart along, 
Both with His beauty and His tongue ; 
Rise, says my Lord, make haste, away? 
No mortal joys are worth thy stay. 

The Jewish wintry state is gone, 
The mists are fled, the spring comes on ; 
The sacred turtle-dove we hear 
Proclaim the new, the joyful year. 

And when we hear our Jesus say, 
" Rise up, My love, make haste, away !" 
Our hearts would fain outfly the wind, 
And leave all earthly loves behind. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 261 

September i. 

Be not conformed to this world. — Rom. xii. 2. Love 
not the world, neither the things that are in the 
world, etc. He that doeth the will of God abid- 
ethfor ever. — 1 John ii. 15, 17. 

Reader, whose will dost thou do ? Examine 
thyself. Perhaps thou thinkest, to love the world 
and to do its will cannot be a great sin, because 
many reputed honest men and good Christians do 
the same. Nay, but for thy soul's sake consider 
what the Scripture says, If thou " lovest the world, 
the love of the Father is not in thee ;" and without 
this love of the Father, thou hast no faith ; and, 
being destitute of faith, thou hast no Christ, and 
consequently no life and salvation. Consider fur- 
ther, whether thou dost not love the world above 
either God or thy own soul. Hast thou not a hun- 
dred thoughts about the world for one of God or 
thy soul ? Dost thou not talk a hundred times 
more about the world, and is not thy pursuit con- 
tinually after it, to the neglect of God and thy soul ? 
Then, the world is thine idol ; thou lovest not God, 
and art murdering thy soul. The Lord have mercy 
on thee ! 

I send the things of earth away ; 

Away, ye tempters of the mind, 
False as the smooth, deceitful sea, 

And empty as the whistling wind. 

Your streams were floating me along, 

Down to the gulf of black despair ; 
And whilst I listened to your song, 

Your streams had near conveyed me there. 

L,ord, I adore thy matchless grace, 
That warned me from the deep abyss ; 

That drew me from those treach'rous seas, 
And bade me seek superior bliss. 

Now to the shining realms above 
I stretch my hands and glance my eyes ; 

Oh ! for the p'inions of a dove, 
To bear me to the upper skies ! - 



262 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 2. 

Not fashioning yourselves according to the former 
lusts in your ignorance; but as He who has called 
you is holy, so be ye holy (Note) in all manner 
of conversation. — 1 Peter i. 14, 15. Give dili- 
gence to make your calli?ig and election sure ; 
for the time past of our life may suffice us to 
have wrought the will of the Gentiles, etc. — 
1 Peter iv. 3. 

None can be so sure of salvation as to be for ever 
free from fears and doubts ; for there is no assur- 
ance without convicts : therefore all diligence is 
required to be evermore sure of it, so as to have 
boldness even in death. But let us take heed of 
presumption, since we do not know what may 
befall us at last ; and be careful not to despise or 
overdrive the weaker sort of Christians, nor make 
our own experience a general rule for others, lest 
this comfortable doctrine of assurance prove a tor- 
ment to them who have not yet attained it. Let 
all who have received a measure of grace be thank- 
ful ; yet not rest in it ; but press forward, fighting 
the good fight of faith, till they lay hold on eternal 
life. 

How short and hasty is our life ! 

How vast our souls' affairs ! 
Yet senseless mortals vainly strive 

To lavish out their years. 

God from on high invites us home, 

But we march heedless on ; 
And ever hastening to the tomb, 

Stoop downward as we run. 

How we deserve the deepest hell 

That slight the joys above ! 
What chains of vengeance should we feel 

That break such cords of love ! 

Draw us, O God, with sovereign grace, 

And lift our thoughts on high, 
That we may end this mortal race, 

And see salvation nigh ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 263 

September 3. 

For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that 

which was lost. — Luke xix. 10. 

Whoever seriously seeks to be saved both from 
the power and punishment of sin, and seeks de- 
liverance only through Christ, should not give way 
to heaviness of heart ; for consider, Art thou a lost 
sinner? Christ's salvation is brought to such. Art 
thou seeking His salvation ? This is a good token 
that Christ has sought thee, else thou wouldst not 
seek after Him. Whom Christ seeks He saves. 
Now, therefore, call upon Him diligently to set up 
His kingdom in thy bosom, and say to thyself, O 
my soul, it was the very purpose of Christ's coming 
into the world to save sinners circumstanced just 
as thou art ! yea, though thy sins be as scarlet, be 
not thou cast down, O my soul, and be not dis- 
quieted within me ; but encourage a cheerful hope 
in thy Covenant God, and instead of poring only 
upon thy sins, consider the exceeding love of Christ 
in dying for them ; and, constrained by a sense of 
that love, do thy diligence to live unto Him ; and 
for this He will enable thee by His Holy Spirit. 

The Lord of life and glor}' stands ; 
Aloud He cries, and spreads His hands, 
He calls ten thousand sinners round, 
And sends a voice from every wound. 

"An ample pardon here I give, 
And bid the sentenced rebel live ; 
Shew him my Father's smiling face, 
And lodge him in His dear embrace. 

I purge from sin's detested stain, 
And make the crimson white again ; 
Lead to celestial joys refined, 
And lasting as the deathless mind." 

Q Jesus ! let me doubt no more ; 
But hear, and wonder, and adore, 
Till death shall make my last remove 
To dwell for ever in thy love ! 



264 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 4. 

Repent ye (oh ! change your minds) and believe the 
Gospel. — Mark i. 15. From that tune Jesus began 
to preach, and to say, Repent ; for the kingdom 
of heaven is at ha?id. — Matt. iv. 17. Repent ye 
therefore, and be converted, that your sins may 
be blotted out, when the times of 7'efreshing shall 
come from the presence of the Lord.— Acts iii. 19. 

Repentance, or a godly sorrow for sin, is the 
doctrine of the Gospel. This is absolutely neces- 
sary to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a life of 
union and communion with Him. Oh ! reader, 
the Baptist calls thee to repent ; Jesus calls thee to 
repent ; the God of heaven and earth calls thee to 
repent ; and without it thou wilt perish eternally 
in the flames of hell. Canst thou not give thyself 
the grace of repentance ? Thou canst not. Oh ! 
then pray and cry to the blessed Jesus, that His 
Holy Spirit may produce this saving change in 
thee. Pray to Him that He would give thee a 
living, justifying faith in His blood and righteous- 
ness, and that thy heart may be filled with real 
sorrow for sin, with holy indignation against it, 
and with a sincere and active departing from it. 
Oh ! pray that you may walk by faith and not by 
sight, as seeing Him continually, who to the 
natural eye is invisible. 

Mistaken souls, that dream of heaven, 

And make their empty boast 
Of inward joys and sins' forgiven, 

While theyare slaves to lust ! 

Vain are our fancy's airy nights, 

If faith be cold and dead ; 
None but a living power unites 

To Christ, the living Head. 

'Tis faith that purifies the heart ; 

'Tis faith that works by love; 
That bids our sins and lusts depart, 

And lifts our souls above. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 265 

September 5. 

What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch. — 
Mark xiii. 37. See also verse 33, and chap. xiv. 

38. 

On a day set apart for the celebration of some 
great event, how anxious are the people to get in 
time to the place appointed ! What earnestness 
is to be seen in their looks ! As earnest should 
we be in watching for the hour in which our Lord 
shall come, that we may not be ashamed before 
Him. A heart deceived by sin may suggest many 
arguments against this holy earnestness ; but they 
are the reasonings of folly. It is a general warning, 
"What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.' ■ 
Almost every day affords an instance of some one 
hurried into eternity on a sudden. Was not hourly 
watchfulness necessary, a merciful God would not 
permit such sudden deaths. But He hath sounded 
the alarm, " Ye know not what hour our Lord doth 
come." Give me grace, O Lord, to live always as 
if I heard that solemn voice sounding continually 
in my ears, " Awake, ye dead, and come to judg- 
ment !" 

Awake, my drowsy soul, awake, 

And view the threatening scene ; 
Legions of foes encamp around, 

And treachery lurks within. 

Now to the work of God awake ; 

Behold thy Master near ; 
The various, arduous task pursue 

With vigor and with fear. 

The awful register goes on ; 

Th' account will surely come ; 
And opening day, or closing night, 

May^bear me to my doom. 

Tremendous thought ! how deep it strikes, 

Yet, like a dream it flies ; 
Till God's own voice the slumbers chase 

From these deluded eyes. 



266 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 6. 

David's Prayer \—Now also, when I am old and 
gray-headed, O God, forsake me not. — Ps. lxxi. 
18. O keep my soul, and deliver me : let me not 
be ashamed ; for I put my trust in thee. Let 
integrity and uprightness preserve me ; for I 
wait on thee. — Ps. xxv. 20, 21. 

Divine Answer : — Hearken unto me, O house of 
facob, which are borne by me from the belly. 
Even to your old age I am He, and even to your 
hoary hairs will I carry you : I have made, and 
I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver 
you. — Isa. xlvi. 3, 4. 

God never does forsake a true believer, since he 
is as closely united to Christ as a child to its 
mother whilst carried in her womb. Yea, a mother 
may forget her sucking child; but Jesus never 
forgets His ransomed people. His eyes are upon 
them for good continually ; they are graven on the 
palms of His hands, and lodged in His pierced side, 
close to His heart. We may expect everything 
confidently from Him ; and this confidence pleaseth 
Him above all things. Then, oh ! may I " be care- 
ful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and 
supplication, with thanksgiving, make my requests 
known unto Him " (Phil. iv. 6); always trusting 
that He will as certainly carry me through all diffi- 
culties to come as He has done hitherto ; so that I 
may even give Him thanks for it beforehand. O 
Lord, grant that I may practice this better still ! 

My God, my everlasting hope, 

I live upon thv truth ; 
Thine hands have held nry childhood up, 

And strengthened all my youth. 

Still has my life new wonders seen 

Repeated every year ; 
Behold, my days that yet remain 

I trust them to thy care. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 267 

September 7. 
Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of 
the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of 
the Lord, are these ; but thoroughly amend your 
ways and your doings, etc. — Jer. vii. 4, 5. Of 
true prayer and worship in spirit and in truth. 
God is a Spirit ; and they that worship Him, 
must worship Him in spirit and in truth. — John 
iv. 24. See also Rom. xii. 1; James i. 27. 

As a contrite heart is the most pleasing temple 
of God, so speaking with God in words of our own, 
as a child does with his father, is the best book of 
prayer. The most cunning method by which Satan 
deceives many now, is the mistaking of an exten- 
sive knowledge and an assurance of their own 
making, not witnessed by the Spirit, for true faith ; 
or trusting on some outward form of worship, or 
having communion with others, or pretending to 
Gospel-experience and liberty, and thereby claim- 
ing the office of building up souls, though a true 
change was never wrought in their hearts ; for what 
can all our reading, prayers, going to church and 
sacrament, profit us, without this ? Before all this 
shall be acceptable to the Lord, we must be renewed 
in our minds, and prove b}^ our own words and 
deeds that we are the living temples of God. 

Is there a thing beneath the sun 
That strives with thee my heart to share? 

Ah ! tear it thence, and reign alone, 
The Ivord of every motion there ; 

Then shall my heart from earth be free 

When it has found repose in thee. 

Oh ! hide this self from me, that I 
No more, but Christ in me may live. 

My vile affections crucify ; 
I^et not one darling lust survive ; 

In all things may I nothing see, 

Nothing desire or seek but thee. 



268 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 8. 

David's Prayer : — Forsake me not, O Lord ; O my 
God, be not far from me. — Ps. xxxviii. 21. 

Divine Answer : — My kindness shall not depart 
from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace 
be removed, saith the Lord that has mercy on 
thee. O thou afflicted ! I will lay thy stones with 
fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sap- 
phires; etc. — Isa. liv. 10-15. 

Such as have never felt spiritual distress, cannot 
relish this word of promise ; but they who have 
been brought out of great misery by this sweet 
word, or any other word of promise applied to their 
hearts by the Holy Ghost, will henceforth take hold 
of it and prize it ; yea, they should firmly believe, 
even without a present feeling of its comfort, that 
God will certainly perform the promise He has 
once sealed upon them. He is a God that changeth 
not, and a God in covenant with His people, and 
His covenant is everlasting ; therefore He will not 
forsake His people, but order all things for their 
good, and conduct them safely through their pil- 
grimage, though violent enemies assault them, and 
mighty tempests fall upon them. His faithfulness 
stands engaged for this. 

Firm are the words His prophets give, 
Sweet words, on which believers live ; 
Each of them is the voice of God, 
Who spoke and spread the skies abroad. 

Oh ! for a strong, a lasting faith, 
To credit what th' Almighty saith ; 
T' embrace the message of His Son, 
And call the joys of heaven our own. 

Then should the earth's old pillars shake, 
And all the wheels of nature break ; 
Our steady souls should fear no more 
Than solid rocks when billows roar. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 269 

September 9. 

Trust in the Lord ivith all thine heart ; lean not 
unto thine own understanding . In all thy ways 
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. 
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and 
depart front evil. — Prow iii. 5-7. Be not wise in 
your own conceits, — Rom. xii. 16; for the wisdom 
of this world is foolishness with God. — 1 Cor. iii. 
19. See also Isa. v. 21. 

Whoever desires to know the will of the Lord, 
and prayeth earnestly for instruction, shall certainly 
know His will. But he must not be wise in his own 
conceit, nor lean to his own understanding, nor 
expect that the wisdom or learning of this world 
will explain the things of God. He must not seek 
to reconcile the word to his lusts, but combat his 
lusts by the word. In short, he must come to Jesus 
for instruction with the same simplicity of mind as 
a child comes to learn its letters ; and not come for 
a month or a year, but sit all his life at the feet of 
Jesus, to receive instruction from Him. Lord, 
make me jealous of myself, enable me to go in and 
out with prayer, and keep me from all errors that 
may hurt my soul. 

Thus saith the wisdom of the Lord, — 
Bless' d is the man that hears my word ; 
Keeps daily watch before my gates, 
And at my feet for mercy waits. 

The soul that seeks me shall obtain 
Immortal wealth and heavenly gain ; 
Immortal life is his reward, 
Ivife and the favor of the Eord. 

But the vile wretch that flies from me 
Doth his own soul an injury ; 
Fools that against my grace rebel, 
Seek death, and love the road to hell. 



270 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September io. 

So we preach, and so ye believed. — i Cor. xv. n. 

The method of the Gospel is this : First, it pro- 
poseth things which are peculiarly its own. So the 
Apostle sets down the constant entrance of his 
preaching (i Cor. xv. 3). It reveals its own mys- 
teries, laying them as the foundations of faith and 
obedience ; and it also inlays them in the mind, 
thereby conforming the whole soul unto them 
(Rom. vi. 17 ; Gal. iv. 19 ; Tit. ii. 11, 12 ; 1 Cor. iii. 
11 ; 2 Cor. iii. 18). This foundation being laid, it 
then grafts all duties of moral obedience on the 
stock of faith in Christ Jesus. Where this founda- 
tion is not laid through ignorance, or rejected 
through prejudice, the Gospel has nothing to do 
with such men ; it neither renews their souls, nor 
produces any genuine fruit of obedience. Thus the 
Apostle Paul, in all his epistles, teaches first the 
mysteries of faith that are peculiar to the Gospel, 
and then descends unto those moral duties which 
are regulated thereby ; so we must first hear the 
Gospel, and be acquainted with its discoveries, 
before we can believe aright : and when our faith is 
rightly founded, it is to shew itself in the practice 
of all those good works that are required of us in 
the Scriptures. "As man}' as walk according to 
this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon 
the Israel of God." 

Let all thy precepts good and right, 
And laws which in thy word are found, 

And the strong faith which gives these weight, 
Be always in me and abound. 

And, oh ! reveal thy Gospel-truth, 

And plant it in my mind, O I,ord, 
So will my spirit be renewed, 

And yield obedience to thy word. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 271 

September ii. 

How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against 
God? — Gen. xxxix. 9. 

Joseph was a slave, and in a strange country ; he 
was tempted by a wanton and revengeful mistress ; 
had he complied, he would have been sure of 
secrecy and rewards ; but if he resisted, he might 
expect her keenest resentment, if not the loss of 
his life. Yet all these could not influence him ; he 
chooses to submit to every inconvenience and 
danger, rather than be guilty of so foul a crime and 
sin against God. From hence we may learn, that 
the fear of God is a most effectual preservative 
against all criminal indulgences. It was this that 
restrained Joseph, and will, where it is possessed, 
have the same effect on all mankind, upon all occa- 
sions, and in every scene of life. It strikes every 
passion, every spring of human actions, and in- 
cludes in it all the most powerful motives by which 
the conduct of mankind is determined. If interest 
be the principal thing that sways us, that surely 
cannot be so certainly promoted as by securing the 
favor of God, and avoiding His displeasure. If we 
are governed by our fears, He is the most formid- 
able being in the universe to a mind that has per- 
verted its faculties and transgressed the laws of its 
nature ; if by hope, He is the Supreme God ; if by 
love, He is the most amiable and perfect Excel- 
lence ; if by gratitude, He is the Author of all our 
happiness. 

Give me, O Lord, such godly fear 

As feels thy presence nigh ; 
And looks to thee when sin is near, 

And makes the Tempter fly. 

Nor let me e'er thy name forget, 

In sad nor happy hour, 
But through temptation's keenest state 

Be guided by thy power. 



272 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 12. 

/ have found the book of the law in the house of 
the Lord. Because thy heart was tender, and 
thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, etc. — 
2 Kings xxii. 8, 19. 

The priests, probably to save themselves the 
trouble of writing, and the people of reading the 
book at large, had furnished themselves with ab- 
stracts of the law, leaving out, or slightly mention- 
ing some parts thereof, and particularly the threat- 
ening, — which Josiah was so much affected with, 
as being new to him. The book of God's law seems 
in our day to be lost ; a sealed book to most of the 
congregations that profess themselves Christians ; 
imperfect accounts of it are given, which hide the 
promised blessings and threatened curses of God. 
When this book by spiritual light is found, and, 
on reading or hearing thereof, conviction reaches 
the conscience, it is a great instance of God's 
favor, a token for good, and must be faithfully 
acknowledged as such. Reader, art thou truly 
apprehensive of the weight of God's wrath, and 
solicitous to obtain His favor? Seek then earn- 
estly, upon thy knees, and in the house of the 
Lord, redemption from the curses of the law ; pray 
that Jesus may be revealed to thee, — the blood of 
the Lamb of God alone can take away the guilt of 
sin ; having found the law, rest not till thou find the 
Gospel also, and arrive at a comfortable assurance 
of thine interest in its blessings. Josiah' s heart 
was tender, he wept, and was encouraged ; follow 
his sorrow, and thou wilt partake of his blessings ; 
and make the law of God thy delight and coun- 
sellor. 

The precious word of God is hid, 

Or sealed eve^where ; 
But when the Spirit light imparts, 

'Tis found and read with care. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 273 

September 13. 

Draw me, we will run after thee. The King hath 
brought me into His chambers ; we will be glad 
and rejoice in thee ; zve will remember thy love 
more than wine : the upright love thee. — Song of 
Sol. i. 4. In thee the fatherless findeth mercy. — 
Hosea xiv. 3. See also Ps. cii. 13. 

The needle's point in the seaman's compass 
never stands still, but quivers and shakes till it 
conies right against the North Pole. The wise men 
of the East never rested till they were right against 
the star which appeared unto them : and the star 
itself never stood still till it came right against that 
other Star, which shone more brightly in the 
manger than the sun did in the firmament. And 
Noah's dove could find no rest for the sole of her 
foot all the while she was fluttering over the flood, 
till she returned to the ark with an olive branch in 
her mouth. So the heart of every true Christian, 
which is the turtle-dove of Jesus Christ, can find no 
rest all the while she is hovering over the waters of 
this world ; till, with the silver wings of a dove, 
and the olive branch of faith, it flies to Jesus, the 
true Noah and rest of our souls, who puts forth His 
hand out of the ark, and taking the dove in, 
receiveth it to Himself. 

Vain are the things of time, 
There's nought of pleasure here, 

E'en our most sunny clime 
Is dark, and wild, and drear ; 

God only is our refuge sure, 

The source of pleasure full and pure. 

In vain I seek for rest 

In all created good ; 
It leaves me still unblest, 

And makes me cry for God. 
And sure at rest I cannot be 
Until my heart finds rest in thee. 



274 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 14. 

What think ye of Christ ? — Matt. xxii. 42. 

And ought we not to put this question to our 
souls, when our happiness forever depends upon 
Him, and when without Him we are undone to 
eternity ? How ought we then to think of the 
Lord Jesus Christ ? Surely, as the Scripture repre- 
sents Him to be, "the chief among ten thousand, 
and altogether lovely." We ought to think of 
Him in His person, as the great God incarnate ; in 
His work and His offices, as the Saviour of Israel. 
We ought to think of Him as one in whom justice 
is satisfied, love and righteousness are manifested, 
and sinners are saved. Oh ! how highly have 
God's people ever thought of Christ Jesus ! and 
how exulting do the saints now in heaven think 
of Him ! But w T hat think we of Christ when bur- 
dened w T ith sin, when oppressed with affliction ? 
When we cannot entertain a good thought of our- 
selves, can we then think of Christ as highly as 
heretofore ? Alas ! how very weak is our faith at 
the best? Lord, strengthen our faith, inflame our 
love, enlarge our views, support us in trials, guide 
us by thy counsels, and receive us into glory, that 
we may sing thy praise to all eternity. Amen. 

Now living waters flow 

To cheer the humble soul ; 
From sea to sea the rivers go, 

And spread from pole to pole. 

Now righteousness shall spring, 

And grow on earth again ; 
Jesus Jehovah be our king, 

And o'er the nations reign. 

Jesus shall rule alone, 

The world shall hear His word ; 

By one blessed name shall Ee be known, 
The Universal L,ord. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 275 

September 15. 

Our conversation, or our citizenship, is in heaven. 
— Phil. hi. 20. Therefore rejoice, because your 
names are written in heaven. — Luke x. 20. And 
set your affectio?i on things above, not on things 
on the earth.— Col. iii. 2. 

A Christian being only a traveler through the 
world, must expect a traveler's fare — bad roads 
sometimes, bad weather, and bad accommodations ; 
but since his journey's end and city is heaven, all his 
actions, sufferings, prayers, trade and conversation, 
turn that way. His actions, for whatsoever is bound 
on earth is bound in heaven ; his sufferings, for 
those who overcome shall receive a crown of glory; 
his prayers, for grace is the answer to prayer ; his 
trade, for whatsoever is of the world is sin ; his 
conversation, for whatsoever is earthly is abomina- 
tion, and worketh a lie. O Lord, grant that mine 
eyes may be always fixed upon this mark, so as to 
regulate all my doings accordingly, — asking myself 
in everything, whether it be fit for heaven, and 
agreeable to the mind of the heavenly Bridegroom, 
and to the manners of the heavenly citizens ? 

Lord, bid my soul fly up and run 

Through every heavenly street ; 
And say, There's nought below the sun 

That's worthy of thy feet. 

So shall we mount on sacred wings, 

And tread the courts above : 
Nor earth, nor all her mightiest things 

Shall tempt our meanest love. 

The glorious tenants of the place 

Stand bending round the throne ; 
And saints and seraphs sing and praise 

The infinite Three-One. 

Jesus, oh ! when shall that dear day, 

That jo3*ful hour appear, 
When I shall leave this house of clay, 

To dwell among them there ? 



276 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 16. 

To Him give all the prophets witness, that, through 
His name, whosoever believeth in Him shall re- 
ceive remission of sins. — Acts x. 43 ; and iv. 12. 
This name is as ointment poured forth, the full- 
ness of His grace. — Song of Sol. i. 3. It is a 
strong tower : the righteous runneth into it, and 
is safe. — Pro v. xviii. 10. 

In this name we should draw nigh to the Father 
in prayer, and not approach Him with a strange 
fire of our own, kindled from the fancied merit of 
devotion, and He will draw nigh to us again. 
<( Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you " 
(James iv. 8). He will certainly grant our peti- 
tions, " and we shall receive, that our joy may be 
full " (John xvi. 24). "For the Lord is good, and 
read} 7 to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all 
them that call upon Him" (Ps. lxxxvi. 5). And 
all these promises are Yea and Amen in Christ ; so 
that every believer may say, " The Lord will receive 
my prayer " (Ps. vi. 9); " Blessed be God, who hath 
not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from 
me;" for "He hath dealt bountifully with me" 
(Ps. lxvi. 20 ; and xiii. 6). Lord, may this be the 
language and the exercise of my heart ; and do thou 
grant me to believe more firmly in thy name ! 

Lift up your eyes to th' heavenly seat 

Where your Redeemer stays ; 
Kind Intercessor ! there He"sits, 

And loves, and pleads, and prays. 

Petitions now, and praise may rise, 
And saints their offerings bring ; 

The Priest, with His own sacrifice, 
Presents them to the King. 

Jesus alone shall bear my cries 

Up to the Father's throne ; 
He, dearest Lord, perfumes my sighs, 

And sweetens every groan. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 277 

September 17. 

In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand 
there are pleasures for evermore. — Ps. xvi. 11. 
And I saw the New ferusalem, descending out 
of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned 
for her husband. — Rev. xxi. 2-4, 10, 12. 

O my dear Saviour, look upon me in mercy ! 
Thou seest what earthly desires and unmortified 
tempers are yet found in me ; and though I cry 
unto thee daily, mine enemies still prevail over me. 
Yet thou art almighty to save, and hast promised 
to cast out none that come unto thee. Let me then 
experience the power of thy grace, in raising me up 
to more newness of life, in stirring up prayer and 
strengthening faith, in creating hungerings after 
righteousness, and thirstings after God, and in 
bestowing a right heavenly mind upon me, that my 
soul may be as a bride prepared and adorned for 
her husband. Give me also a frequent taste below 
of those pleasures which are at thy right hand for 
evermore, that my heart may be kept waiting and 
eagerly looking for thy coming, and that, united 
unto thee in faith, my life may be spent in thy 
favor and unto thy glory. 

Oh ! the delights, the heavenly joys, 

The glories of the place, 
Where Jesus sheds the brightest beams 

Of His o'erflowing grace. 

Archangels sound His lofty praise 

Through every heavenly street ; 
And lay their highest honors down 

Submissive at His feet. 

Ivord, how our souls are all on fire 

To see thy blest abode ! 
Our tongues rejoice in tunes of praise 

To our incarnate God. 

And while our faith enjoys this sight 

We long to leave our clay ; 
And wish thy fiery chariots, I^ord, 

To fetch our souls away. 



278 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September iS. 

Watch and pray ; let us be going. — Matt. xxvi. 41, 
46. Remember Lot's wife. — Luke xvii. 32. This 
is the way, walk ye in it. — Isa. xxx. 21. He that 
hath begun a good work in you will perform it 
until the day of Jesus Christ. — Phil. i. 6. 

To be kept from self-righteousness on the one 
hand, and from false liberty on the other, is the 
right Christian way. But how shall I find it ? Oh ! 
my dear Jesus, thou art the way ! Teach me then 
to walk in thy strength, to live in thy faith, to gaze 
much upon thee, to cleave firm unto thee, and 
abide ever in thee : so shall I experience the liberty 
of thy Gospel, which yieldeth no license for sin, 
but bringeth joyful deliverance from its power ; for 
when my heart resteth on thee, it cannot rest in the 
flesh, and seek to fulfill its lusts ; but being de- 
lighted with thy beauty and glorious love, all other 
things vanish, and I am kept watchful, close and 
fervent : I live a life of godly holiness hid with thee. 
Send forth the Spirit and prepare my heart thus to 
abide in thee, and to turn and bring me back when 
I turn to the right hand or to the left. 

When m.y forgetful soul renews 

The savor of thy grace, 
My heart presumes I cannot lose 

The relish all my days. 

But, ere one fleeting hour is past, 

The fiatt'ring world employs 
Some sensual bait to seize my taste, 

And to pollute my joys. 

Then I repent and vex my soul, 

That I should leave thee so : 
Where will those wild affections roll 

That let a Saviour go ? 

Shew my forgetful feet the way 

That leads to joys on high ; 
There knowledge grows without decay, 

And love shall never die. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 279 

September 19. 

Walk before me t (as in my presence,) and be thou 
perfect. — Gen. xvii. 1. Fear God, and keep His 
commandments ; for this is the whole duty of 
man. For God shall bring every work intojudg- 
nent, with every secret thing, whether it be good, 
or whether it be evil. — Eccles. xii. 13, 14. / say 
unto you, That every idle word that men shall 
speak, they shall give account thereof hi the day 
of judgment. — Matt. xii. 36. 

Consequently all such things as are now called 
indifferent in their nature will also be brought to 
God's bar, and not be called indifferent there, but 
judged as actually good or actually evil. Oh ! 
the prodigious harm that is done by this false doc- 
trine of innocent things ! It opens the door to 
innumerable sins ; for though our conscience often 
tells us that we should not do such things as are 
not actually good, yet presently innocence is 
pleaded, it is called a harmless thing, which, though 
it could not be said to be good, yet it was not evil 
neither, but quite indifferent in its nature ; by 
which thousands are drawn into the snares of the 
devil. O Lord, grant that all my works may be 
done unto thee, and in thy presence, agreeably to 
thy commandments ; that even my leaves may not 
wither, and whatsoever I do may prosper and abide 
for ever ; and that while here I may be fitted, by 
the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, for the holy 
and blessed communion of heaven that is hereafter 
to those who keep thy law. 

Within thy circling power I stand ; 
On every side I find thy hand ; 
Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, 
I am surrounded still with God. 

Oh ! may these thoughts possess my breast, 
"Where'er I rove, where'er I rest ; 
Nor let unruly passions dare 
Consent to sin, for God is there. 



280 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 20. 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born 
again, he can?iot see the kingdom of God. — John 
iii. 3. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is 
a new creature: old things are passed away ; 
behold, all things are become new. — 2 Cor. v. 17. 
Not by works of righteousness which we have 
done, but according to His mercy He saved us, 
by the washing of regeneration, etc. — Titus iii. 5, 
6. See also James i. 18, and 1 Peter i. 23. 

Consequently no outward form of religion will 
do ; but we must be renewed by the Spirit of God, 
and have our hearts changed, else we cannot enter 
into the kingdom of God. Christ (by saying, 
Verily, verily) has confirmed this twice by an oath. 
How is it possible, then, that mere honest and 
moral men can be saved ? Will Christ break His 
double oath ! No, surely. Now 7 , since outward 
gross vices only are blamed in conversation or 
preaching, a moral man slips through the law 
without censure ; and the careless think they can 
leave off their open sins one time or another ; and 
so none are duly concerned to be thoroughly con- 
verted ; but the new birth and the real change of 
the heart being insisted upon, and Christ held forth 
in this only true way, every one who will be saved 
must be turned. 

The second Adam shall restore 

The ruins of the first ; 
Hosanna to that sov" reign power 

That new-creates our dust. 

When from the curse He sets us free, 

He makes our natures clean ; 
Nor would our Saviour come to be 

The minister of sin. 

His Spirit purifies our frame, 

And seals our peace with God ; 
Jesus and His salvation came 

By water and by blood. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 281 

September 21. 
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art 
thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in God; 
for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of 
my countenance, and my God. — Ps. xlii. 11. For 
I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time 
are not worthy to be compared with the glory 
which shall be revealed in us. — Rom. viii. 18. 

BELIEVERS, we are here assured, maybe in great 
distress ; but though much perplexed, and often 
discouraged, they are secretly held up by faith, and 
brought off conquerors. If God had commanded 
us to pray and hope only till a certain time men- 
tioned, and His help had failed to come within that 
time, we might justly despair. But since He re- 
quires us to hope even to the end, or last moment 
of life, this should keep us from impatience and 
despair ; for though He should tarry even to the 
end, believers will certainly experience Him then 
to be faithful to His promise. He may try our 
faith and patience to the utmost, but He cannot 
break His own word. Dear Lord, whatever load 
thou art pleased to lay upon me, enable me to wait 
in faith and prayer till the joyful hour of deliver- 
ance comes, — knowing that thou lay est on no 
burden disproportioned to the grace thou art giving. 

'Tis God that lifts our comforts high, 

Or sinks them in the grave ; 
He gives, (and blessed be His name,) 

He takes but what He gave. 

Peace, all our angry passions then ; 

I^et each rebellious sigh 
Be silent at His sov' reign will, 

And every murmur die. 

If smiling mercy crown our lives, 

Its praises shall be spread ; 
And we'll adore the justice, too, 

That strikes our comforts dead. 



282 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 22. 

Be not soon shaken in mind. — 2 Thess. ii. 2. / 
determined not to know anything among you, save 
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. — 1 Cor. ii. 2. 
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and 
knowledge. — Col. ii. 3. But we preach Christ 
crucified. The testimony of Christ was confirmed 
in you. — 1 Cor. i. 23, 6. 

O my dear Saviour ! enable me to rest humbly 
and quietly in thee, avoiding all such novelties as 
might breed presumption, distract my thoughts, 
and cause my heart to swerve from thee. Whoever 
has tasted the sweetness of thy Word will be satis- 
fied with it ; and better it is to improve in the life 
of faith and power of godliness, than in new words, 
forms and professions. May the Lord quicken me 
by the old truths, and humble my heart evermore, 
so as to receive them better, and to abide in that 
which I have heard from the beginning. Novelty 
is the bane of souls, by which we are often griev- 
ously tormented and distracted. It is work enough 
for a meek and quiet soul to keep within the 
bounds of a settled mind, and effectually to centre 
in God. How can such enjoy true rest, who from 
a vain curiosity to know everything, are ever run- 
ning after new doctrines, or prying into every man's 
business ? Lord, save me from this unsettled mind, 
and make me determined to know nothing but 
Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and to have His 
testimony confirmed in my heart ! Amen. 

Oh ! that the I,ord would guide my ways 

To keep His statutes still ; 
Oh ! that my God would grant me grace 

To know and do His will ! 

My soul has gone too far astra} T , 

My feet too often slip ; 
Yet since I've not forgot thy way, 

Restore thy wand' ring sheep. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 283 

September 23. 

David's Prayer : — Wash me thoroughly from mine 
iniquity ', and cleanse me from my sin. — Ps. li. 2. 

Divine Answer : — The blood of Jesus Christ \ the 
Son of God, clea?iseth us from all sin. — 1 John 
i. 7. See also 1 Cor. vi. 11. 

Under the ceremonial law all things were purged 
with blood ; and without shedding of blood there 
was no remission ; thus it is impossible that any 
one sin, even the least sinful motion, should be 
taken away, except by the blood of Jesus Christ. 
May this teach me the heinousness of sin in the 
sight of the great Jehovah, and may it tend to keep 
my heart humble and my conscience tender ; for 
how dreadful must the stain of sin be, since noth- 
ing but the blood of Christ can wash it out ! Blessed 
be God for opening this fountain, and keeping it 
open day and night, for the vilest sinners to wash 
in. May my polluted soul be daily washed in this 
fountain, and receive both peace and strength from 
it ; and, arrayed in the robes of Christ's righteous- 
ness, may I be prevented from doing anything dis- 
honorable to thy name ! 

My dying Saviour and my God, 

Fountain for guilt and sin, 
Sprinkle me ever with thy blood, 

And cleanse and keep me clean. 

Wash me, and make me thus tlry own ; 

Wash me, and mine thou art ; 
Wash me, but not my feet alone, — 

My hands, my head, my heart. 

Th' atonement of thy blood apply, 

Till faith to sight improve ; 
Till hope shall in fruition die, 

And all my soul be love. 

For ever here my rest shall be, 

Close to thy bleeding side ; 
'Tis all my hope and all my plea, 

" For me the Saviour died." 



284 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 24. 

Examine yourselves , whether ye be in the faith. — 
2 Cor. xiii. 5. See also 1 Cor. ii. 28. 

But is there any need of such self-examination, 
when yet we preach Christ, and stay ourselves on 
His name ? Alas ! it is possible both to preach and 
profess Him, yea, to have a seeming confidence in 
Him, and call Him our Rock, and talk of His 
grace, and yet be lovers of sin, and haters of holi- 
ness ; and thereby shew we have no interest in Him, 
but are in the road of destruction. Thus Jesus hath 
told us, Matt. vii. 22, 23. Let us examine ourselves. 
Is our faith in Him accompanied with much self- 
abhorrence in the views of our sinfulness and pollu- 
tion before Him ! Do we prize Him, not only for 
His favor to us, but for His own goodness, His 
grace, and His excellence ? Do we love Him so as 
to love nothing in comparison of Him, — neither 
self, nor the world, nor our ease, nor advantage ? 
Then, surely, we are His, and He also is ours. 
These graces are the fruits of His Spirit within us ; 
they are proofs of our faith and of our union with 
Him ; and if we are united by the Spirit to Jesus, 
He will certainly own us before men and angels ; 
He will never forsake us in time or eternity. But 
how dreadful will their case be, who deceive them- 
selves here, and habitually give themselves unto 
sin and iniquity, whilst yet they make mention of 
Jesus Christ with their lips ! Keep us, Lord, we 
beseech thee, from such sad delusion ! Oh ! give 
us to remember all our past provocations, and to 
know, to love, and serve thee in sincerity ! 

Is Christ your only trust and guide, 
And dearer far than all beside? 
And pants your heart for holiness? 
Then sure you are a child of grace. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 285 

September 25. 

What lack I yet f — Matt. xix. 20. Yet lackest thou 
one thing. — Luke xviii. 22. For one thing is 
needful. — Luke x. 42. 

This one thing needful is to have Christ ; but He 
must first serve and treat us with His grace before 
we can draw strength from Him to serve Him again. 
We must be taught to see Him our food, and to 
hunger for Him, before we can feed upon Him, or 
do anything for Him. And as Christ is the author 
of faith, He gives it increase out of His fullness ; 
and faith, being somewhat strengthened, begins to 
work for Him, though it be but faintly. However, 
we become Christians, and remain in a perfect state 
of salvation, not by what faith works, but by what 
it receives ; for though a feeble faith will perform 
feeble works, it can receive a whole and perfect 
Christ, which is the one thing needful. Grant, 
dear Lord, that I may possess the one thing needful, 
that He may dwell in my heart, rooting and ground- 
ing me in love. 

Oh ! may I never want the seal 
Of Christ my dying soul to heal ; 

He is my s'ure defence ; 
The one thing needful I must get, 
Kre death's dark clouds around me set, 

And my freed soul fly hence. 

I'll hear of nothing else beside 
My Jesus, and Him crucified ; 

In Him is all I want : 
His blood. His meritorious blood, 
Alone is rich, alone is good ; 

For that alone I pant. 

Sure none refuse to join this song, 
To praise our Saviour all along 

Their pilgrimage below ; 
To sing, " There's none, there's none beside, 
But Jesus and Him crucified, 

Needful for us to know." 



286 THE GOLDEN TREASURY 

September 26. 

Joseph is a fruitful bough ; the archers have sorely 
grieved him, and shot at him; but his bow abode 
in strength, and the arms of his hands were 
made strong by the hands of the mighty God of 
Jacob : [from the7ice is the Shepherd, the Stone 
of Israel.) — Gen. xlix. 22-24. 

Joseph is an eminent type of the Messiah : let us 
trace the resemblance. Joseph was in a peculiar 
manner beloved by his father ; Christ is the dear 
Son of His Father's love. Jacob made for Joseph 
a coat of many colors ; God prepared a body in 
human nature for Christ, filled and adorned with 
the various gifts and graces of the Spirit without 
measure. Joseph was hated by his brethren, and 
they could not endure to think he should have the 
dominion over them ; the Jews, Christ's brethren 
according to the flesh, hated Him, and would not 
have Him to reign over them. Joseph was sent by 
his father a long journey to visit his brethren, and 
know their welfare ; Christ was sent from the 
bosom of the Father, to seek and to save the lost 
sheep of the house of Israel. Joseph's brethren 
conspired to take away his life ; the Jews said, 
" This is the heir, let us kill Him," and they con- 
sulted to take away His life. Joseph was sold for 
twenty pieces of silver at the motion of Judah ; and 
Christ, by one of the same name, was sold for thirty 
pieces. Joseph was delivered to strangers, and 
Christ to the Gentiles. Joseph being reckoned 
dead by his father, and yet alive, ma} 7 be an emblem. 
of Christ's death and resurrection from the dead. 

O Jesus ! I in Joseph see 

How archers shot and grieved thee ; 

Into the grave like Joseph cast, 

And raised, like him, a Prince at last. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 287 

September 27. 

What things were gain to me, those I counted loss 
for Christ ; yea doubtless, and I count all things 
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of 
Christ fesus my Lord; for whom I have stiff ered 
the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, 
that I may win Christ, and be found in Him as 
my righteousness. — Phil. iii. 7-9. 

This was the life and constant mind of St. Paul. 
The words, "in Him," " in Christ, "" in the Lord, " 
u I am Christ's," etc., occur continually. I choose 
them also for my staff, and my song in the wilder- 
ness ; they shall be my great tower, my strong 
fortress, my sweet paradise, mine only element and 
life. Here may I take up mine abode for ever, and 
the Lord keep me steadfast ! "It is good for us to 
be here;" for this is Pisgah, the mount of the 
Lord, where Jesus, being transfigured, reveals His 
glory to His disciples. Here we should build our 
tabernacle ; and here may death find me at last. 
Help me, O thou Spirit of the Lord, to be a true 
believer in Christ Jesus, "not having mine own 
righteousness," nor trusting to anything that I 
have done or am able to do, but casting away as 
worthless all that the world calls excellent, I may 
cleave to Christ and be found in Him. Oh ! may I 
be able to make Christ my resting-place and my 
refuge at all times ! 

Had I ten thousand gifts beside, 
I'd cleave to Jesus crucified, 

And build on Him alone ; 
For no foundation is there given 
On which I'd place my hopes of heaven, 

But Christ the corner-stone. 

Possessing Christ, I all possess, — 
Wisdom, and strength, and righteousness, 

And holiness complete ; 
Bold in His name, I dare draw nigh 
Before the Ruler of the sky, 

And all His justice meet. 



288 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 28. 

The Penitent's Prayer: — What must I do to be 

saved ? — Acts xvi . 30. 
Divine Answer : — Believe o?i the Lord Jesus, and 

thou shalt be saved, and thy house. — Acts xvi. 31. 

Faith is not a confidence of our own making ; 
but it is God that works it in a broken and repent- 
ing heart. This faith purifies the heart, crucifies 
the old Adam, overcomes the world, changes us in 
heart, mind, and all the powers and faculties of the 
soul, which is the true Protestant faith ; and not 
that we only think and sa\-, "I believe." By this 
we must try our faith. All true believers have 
received it, under a sense of godly sorrow, and with 
brokenness of heart. If we feel something of this, 
and apply to Christ by prayer for faith and grace, 
we have a sure mark of faith already ; for if we did 
not believe, we would not pray. And he that daily 
applies to the blood of Christ for cleansing, has true 
faith and hope already, though he is but weak, and 
does not taste any joy. The Lord grant to all our 
souls that repentance unto life, and that faith in 
Jesus Christ, which are the saving graces of the 
Spirit, that in due time, when the end is come, we 
may receive a crown of glory to wear for ever in 
the presence of the Prince of Life, and of God 
Himself. 

Ye d3'ing souls, that sit 

In darkness and distress, 
Look from the borders of the pit, 

To Christ's recovering grace. 

Sinners shall hear His sound ; 

Their thankful tongues shall own. 
Their righteousness and strength is found 

In Christ the Lord alone. 

In Him shall Israel trust, 

And see their guilt forgiven ; 
God will pronounce the sinners just, 

And take the saints to heaven. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 289 

September 29. 
Abstain from all appearance of evil, that ye may 
be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, with- 
out rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse 
nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the 
world. — Phil. ii. 15. See also Eph. v. 8. 

Be as the sun in the firmament — he giveth light 
to all ; so let your light shine before all men. By 
doing so some may walk in it, and God will be 
glorified. Be no slaves to the flesh ; but on the 
contrary, shew a willing and holy service to the 
most high God ! Bless those that are against you. 
Lord, I desire to shine in good works, the genuine 
fruits of faith ; therefore will I give myself up to 
thee, to purge me, that I may bring forth more 
fruit. Looking upon myself as thine, I would not 
only abstain from evil, but from the very appear- 
ance of it. Some are satisfied with knowing they 
are blameless, and care not what others think of 
them ; but for the gospel's sake I desire to appear 
blameless before others, lest some offence should 
come through me ; which, as far as in me lieth, I 
would prevent. Thy children, O God, are as lights 
in the world. Oh ! pour thy grace, that heavenly 
oil, into my lamp, and so trim it that it may give 
light unto all around, that they may be led to 
glorify thy holy name. 

O Lord, my stubborn will subdue ; 
Create 1213* ruined frame anew ! 

Dispel my darkness by thy light ; 
Into all truth my spirit guide. 
But from mine eyes for ever hide 

All things disp'leasing in thy sight. 

Be heaven now my soul's abode ! 
Hid be my life with Christ in God ; 

My spirit. Lord, be one with thine ; 
Let all my works in thee be wrought, 
And filled with thee be all my thought, 

Till in me thy full likeness'shine. 



290 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

September 30. 
Let him that is athirst come ; and whosoever will, 

let him take of the water of life freely. — Rev. 

xxii. 17. 

IE there be a sense of sin, and want of spiritual 
blessings, and a willingness to be saved by grace, 
though you know not that it is Christ's secret 
power that makes you willing, yet being athirst 
and willing, you are invited : do not puzzle and 
perplex yourselves with such questions as these : 
Am I elected ? Have I a right ? Am I prepared ? 
— but come upon the invitation, and take pardon, 
peace, righteousness, and every gospel blessing, as 
free gifts to the needy. If on e ready to perish with 
hunger and thirst were invited to a feast, and 
assured of welcome, and he should stand hesitating, 
Have I a right? Am I worthy? — would it not 
seem preposterous in him thus to demur, when his 
necessities were pressing upon him, and a plentiful 
table before him? The weary, the hungry, the 
thirsty, the guilty, the worthless, the vilest, are 
invited to believe in Jesus, who came only to save 
sinners, and hath assured them in His word, that 
those who thus come to Him, " He will in nowise 
cast out." 

The Spirit in the Word, _ 

And in His motions cries, 
"Come to the Fountain-head of life, 

And come for large supplies. 

"Let him who feels his thirst, 

Nor can endure its rage, 
Come to salvation's copious springs, 

And all his pains assuage. 

"And whosoever will 

Is welcome to receive 
The streams of everlasting life 

That Heaven will freely give." 

Jesus, is this thy voice ? 

We bless thy^ gracious call, 
And flee with joyful haste to thee, 

Our Saviour and our All. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 291 

October i. 

Weep not ; behold, the Lio?? of the tribe of Judah, 
the Root of David, has prevailed.— Rev. v. 5. 

He rose triumphantly, and destroyed the works 
of the devil ; therefore sin shall not have do- 
minion over z«.-Rom. vi. 14. For the law 
of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made 
me free from the law of sin and death. — Rom. 
viii. 2. 

Many complain that, though they will not turn 
back, yet they have no power to advance farther. 
If this should be thy case, my reader, remember 
that the enemy of souls will discourage thee. Go 
on praying, and venture it evermore upon the Lord. 
Consider how He awakened you at first, how often 
He has heard your prayers afterward, and assisted 
you in many hard struggles. Surely He will help 
you now also. If that will not do, begin, as it 
were, afresh ; acknowledge yourself guilty in every 
respect ; and, as the chief of sinners, plead for 
mercy, and be instant in your humble supplica- 
tions ; looking, at the same time, upon God as 
a reconciled Father through Christ, who is willing 
to receive you, pardon, and bless you in spite of all 
your misery : then you will soon make a better 
progress. To despair of our own strength is good ; 
but we must never despair of the power of Christ, 
who is riser from the dead, but be sure to overcome 
with Him at last. He will certainly help you in 
the due and best season. 

Hell and thy sins resist thy course, 
But hell and sin are vanquished foes ; 

Thy Jesus nailed them to the cross, 
And sung the triumph when He rose. 

He dies, and in that dreadful night 
Did all the powers of death destroy ; 

Rising, He brought our heaven to light, 
And took possession of the joy. 



292 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 2. 
Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth 
every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chas- 
tening, God dealeth with you as with sons : for 
what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not? 
He chasteneth us for our profit . — Heb. xii. 6-10. 

To these chastenings belong outward afflictions, 
which are precious means, and sanctified to be- 
lievers. And this is a clear proof that we should 
receive such chastenings with gladness, and that 
we should not repine under them. They evidence 
the fatherly care and love of God, and are designed 
to try our faith, and purge our souls from the drossy 
matter of earth that is mixed up with them ; and 
from them we must learn that chastisements will be 
the means of good to us if we use them aright. 
Oh ! my dear heavenly Father, thou art only pleased 
with a true child-like confidence ; but I am still 
of a distrusting heart when anything comes upon 
me on a sudden. Help me always to entertain the 
kindest thoughts of thee, and to fear no adversity ; 
looking on it as a token of love and not of hatred, 
and really believing it to be intended as a blessing 
for my good. Whatever thy providence may order, 
let me only be convinced of thy fatherly affection, 
and fall in with thy wholesome and loving designs. 

Though for my sin I justly feel 

Thy discipline, O God, 
I wait thy gracious moment still, 

Till thou remove thy rod. 

For I have found 'tis good for me 

To bear my Father's rod ; 
Affliction makes me learn thy law, 

And live upon my God. 

This is the comfort I enjoy 

When new distress begins ; 
I read thy word, I run thy way, 

And hate my former sins. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 293 

October 3. 

The entrance of thy word gives light; it giveth 
understanding to the simple. — Ps. cxix. 130. 
Order my steps in thy word ; and let not any ini- 
quity have dominion over me. — Ver. 133. The 
Scriptures testify of me (Christ). — John v. 39. 

We may have a clear sight and a real taste of 
the Gospel, and yet be soon deprived of the com- 
fort of it again, if we do not walk in godly sim- 
plicity and poverty of spirit ; for Christ will have 
none but humble and child-like disciples. But 
if we abide in Christ, by a close and humble walk 
with Him, we shall come to great and lasting 
assurance ; for neither a sweet sense of Christ, 
nor even faith itself in Christ, is the ground of 
our salvation ; but Christ alone received into the 
heart as the Saviour. Faith does not save, but 
enables us to receive the Saviour, and with Him 
salvation. Neither does a sweet sense of Christ 
save us ; it only shews the Saviour is present 
with us. Now, the weakest true believer does 
receive Christ as well as the strongest, though he 
reap no present comfort from his faith. We must 
first believe, before we can feel, and be thankful 
for our feelings, but not trust in them. 

Thy mercies fill the earth, O Eord, 

How good thy works appear ! 
Open mine eyes to read thy word, 

And see thy wonders there. 
When once it enters to the mind, 

It spreads such light abroad, 
The meanest souls instruction find, 

And raise their thoughts to God. 
'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light, 

That guides us all the day ; 
And through the dangers of the night 

A lamp to lead our way. 
Since I'm a stranger here below, 

Let not tln r path be hid, 
But mark the road my feet should go, 

And be my constant guide. 



294 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 4. 

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and 
quicken thou me in thy way. — Ps. cxix. 37. 

If you were to see a man endeavoring all his life 
to satisfy his thirst, by holding up one and the 
same empty cup to his mouth, you would certainly 
despise his ignorance ; but if you should see others 
ridiculing the dull satisfaction of one cup, and 
thinking to satisfy their own thirst by a variety of 
gilt and golden empty cups, would you think that 
these were the wiser or ever the happier, or better 
employed, for their finer parts ? Now, this is all 
the difference that you can see in the happiness of 
this life. The dull and heavy soul may be content 
with one empty appearance of happiness, and be 
continually trying to hold one and the same empty 
cup to his mouth all his life. But then, let the 
talented men of the world lay all their heads 
together, and they can only shew you more, and 
various empty appearances of happiness ; give them 
all the world into their hands, they can only make 
a great variety of empty cups ; for search as deep 
as you will, there is nothing to be found here 
nobler or greater than eating and drinking, rich 
dress and applause, unless you look for it in the 
wisdom and laws of religion. Reader, reflect upon 
the vanity of all orders of life who live without 
godliness, and see how all the ways of the world 
are only so many different ways of error and blind- 
ness, that you may be earnest at a throne of grace 
to be turned from the creature, and seek for happi- 
ness in the Creator. 

No peace or lasting rest 
Earth's flattering joys impart ; 

The portion of a beast 

Will not content my heart. 

The God of spirits only can 

Fill ud the vast desires of man. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 295 

October 5. 

David's Prayer:— Give ear to my prayer, O God, 
and hide not thyself froin my supplication. — Ps. 
lv. 1. 

Christ's Answer : — Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my 7iame, 
He will give it you. — John xvi. 23. For the 
Father Himself loveth you. — Ver. 27. He has 
promised : — Before they call, I will answer ; and 
whilst they a7'e speaking, I will hear. — Isa. lxv. 
24. Therefore I say unto you. What things soever 
ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive 
them, and ye shall have them. — Mark xi. 24. 

He that converses much with God in prayer, and 
has some child-like confidence in His word, shall 
certainly be heard ; and these answers of prayer 
are undeniable evidences of the truth, faithfulness 
and love of God, and greatly strengthen his faith ; 
and at last bring him to be intimately acquainted 
with God. The more we receive, the more we are 
enlightened to see how much there is still wanting. 
This stirs up to more frequent prayer, and to more 
fervent desires ; and the more we desire and believe 
that we shall receive it, the more shall be granted. 
Unbelief receives nothing (Matt. xiii. 58); but faith 
opens all the treasures of God, and never goes 
away empty. 

Because on me they set their love, 

I'll save them, saith the Lord ; 
I'll bear their joyful souls above 

Destruction and the sword. 

In me they every grace shall find 

For sorrow, joy, or care ; 
Their broken hearts I will upbind, 

Unloose their every snare. 

My grace shall answer when they call ; 

In trouble I'll be nigh ; 
My power shall help them when they fall, 

And raise them when they die. 



296 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 6. 

If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant 
of Christ. — Gal. i. 10. Let every one of us please 
his neighbor for his good to edification. — Rom. 
xv. 2. Fear or love of men, and hypocrisy, very 
often are nearly allied : A man that flattereth 
his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. — Prov. 
xxix. 5. But he that rebuketh a man, after- 
wards shall find more favor than he that flattereth 
with his tongue. — Chap, xxviii. 23. 

We are ever inclined to extremes, even then 
when God has begun His work in our soul. At 
one time we are apt to run into a false activity for 
the conversion of others, trusting too much to our 
own sufficiency and strength ; at other times, per- 
haps, we fall into much remissness, and inactivity 
for the salvation of others. May the Lord there- 
fore always guide me to steer the middle course, so 
as to walk in all singleness and humility of heart, 
as well as in true fervency of spirit, faith and love T 
that it may be said, "I believe, therefore do I 
speak." Grant, O my dear Saviour, that I may 
shine as a light, and be useful to all about me ; 
never seeking my own, but only the salvation and 
good of others, with unfeigned love ! Oh ! that 
thy love may constrain me in all things ! Amen. 

My own glory still I seek, 

Still I covet human praise ; 
Still, in all I do or speak, 

Thee I wrong, and rob thy grace. 

And must that which is so good 

Evil prove to sinful me ? 
Poison shall I draw from food, 

Sin from grace, and pride from thee? 

Oh ! forbid it, humble love ! 

Hide me, O my Father, hide ! 
Far away this snare remove ; 

Save me from the sin of pride ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 297 

October 7. 

Hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall 
assure our hearts before Him. — 1 John iii. 19. 
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 
— John xviii. 27. 

The evidence of our assurance of eternal happi- 
ness is that which every soul that makes any serious 
reflections on matters of religion pants after : it is 
therefore necessary to know upon what foundation 
this blessed evidence is built, and from what prin- 
ciples it arises ; and those, I think, are chiefly faith, 
love and obedience ; since no man can have this 
assurance who does not feel in himself the principle 
of obedience; nor can he have obedience without 
the principle of love, nor love without the principle 
of faith : for it is a notorious contradiction to 
imagine that any one can be assured of God 
Almighty's pardon, without obeying Him ; of His 
favor, without loving Him ; or of the eternal enjoy- 
ment of Him, without a firm and steadfast belief in 
Him. But here many mistake the nature of these 
things ; true belief in God represents Him to the 
mind as infinite in glory, and power, and wisdom, 
and goodness, and in all perfections ; with such 
charms, such beauty, such loveliness, as to capti- 
vate and ravish the affections of the soul, and 
smite it with a Divine love : true love reigns tri- 
umphant in the soul, engrosses all its affections, 
strips other objects of their charms, nay, makes them 
appear vile and contemptible in comparison with 
the supreme good : true obedience strives to please 
God, to resemble Him, to render itself acceptable 
to Him, and ardently desires the enjoyment of 
Him. 

Faith only gives me peace with God ; 

But if my faith be true, 
It surely shews itself by love, 

And kind obedience too. 



298 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 8. 

He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall 
be saved. — Matt. xxiv. 13. Behold, I come quickly : 
hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take 
thy crown. — Rev. iii. 11. Wherefore, let him 
that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. — 
1 Cor. x. 12. 

HE that stands in faith, and by nature is of a 
cheerful temper, must not magnify the measure of 
his own faith, nor undervalue that of weaker souls ; 
for such conduct would declare that he is even now 
fallen into pride, and a contempt of his brother ; 
therefore, however fast we may seem to stand, let 
us be wary and watchful. We are never so near a 
fall as when we grow self-confident. He who 
knows the nature and power of temptations will not 
discourage the weak, nor insist too much upon par- 
ticular enjovments and sensible assurances, which 
are not the constant witness and marks of faith. 
The Holy Spirit Himself is the earnest and seal of 
adoption ; who is to be known, not only by this 
joy, but by all His other fruits and operations. To 
trust too much upon feeling disturbs our peace as 
soon as it is gone ; but to rely on the Word of God 
preserves a settled assurance. 

Jesus ! shall I never be 
Firmly grounded upon thee ? 
Strong in faith I seem this hour ; 
Stript the next of all m} r power. 

Plant, and root, and fix in me 
All the mind that was in thee ; 
Settled peace I then shall find, 
When I am renewed in mind. 

Grant that every moment I 
May believe and feel thee nigh ; 
Steadfastly behold thy face. 
'Stablished with abiding grace. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 299 

October 9. 

If any man have not the Spirit of Christ (but the 

spirit of this world), he is none of His. For as 

many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the 

sons of God. — Rom. viii. 9, 14. See also ver. 7, 8. 

Not gross wickedness only, but even a carnal 
mind, is enmity against God. " Know ye not that 
the friendship of the world is enmity with God ? 
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is 
the enemy of God" (James iv. 4). ''For many 
walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell 
you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the 
cross of Christ : whose end is destruction, whose 
god is their belly, and whose glory is in their 
shame, who mind earthly things " (Phil. iii. 18, 19). 
But how do I know that I have the Spirit of Christ ? 

Answer : — I have prayed for Him earnestly ; this 
cannot be in vain. " If ye then, being evil, know 
how to give good gifts unto your children : how 
much more shall your heavenly Father give the 
Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke xi. 
13). He works also hatred and sorrow of sin ; 
rebukes, comforts, and drives me to Christ and to 
prayer. This is his abiding witness, built upon 
the Word of God, which no man of this world can 
have, but even the weakest believer enjoys. 

Holy, true, and righteous Lord. 

I seek to know and do thy will ; 
Be mindful of thy gracious word, 

And stamp me with thy Spirit's seal. 

My conscience purge from every blot ; 

My idols all be cast aside ; 
Rebuke each vain and sinful thought, 

And crucify both self and pride. 

Within me thy good Spirit place, 
Spirit of health, and love, and power ; 

And grant me such victorious grace, 
That inbred sin may reign no more. 



3 oo THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October io. 

Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall 
have more abundantly. — Matt. xiii. 12. For the 
water that I shall give him shall be in him a well 
of water springing up into everlasting life. — John 
iv. 14. He that is righteous, let him be righteous 
still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. — 
Rev. xxii. 11. 

Of the remarkable increase of the kingdom of 
Cod, even from the least beginning, see also Matt, 
xiii. 31-33 ; and that beautiful figure, Ezek. xlvii. 
1-12. This well being opened, it highly concerns 
ns to draw living water out of it daily by fervent 
prayer, and then it will spring up freely. But, 
reader, if you begin to be slothful, and distracted 
with worldly cares, not abiding closely with Christ, 
nor calling diligently on Him, your spirit will soon 
be dried up, and you will scarcely be able, with 
anxious groans, to draw a single drop from this 
well. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and if 
you desire your own comfort and God's glory, keep 
near the well's mouth, and be drawing its water 
continually by prayer, and drinking it sweetly by 
faith. 

Glory to God that walks the sky, 
And sends His blessings through ; 

That tells His saints of ]oy on high, 
And gives a taste below. 

Cheerful I feast on heavenlj'- fruit, 
And drink the pleasures down, — 

Pleasures that flow hard by the foot 
Of the eternal throne. 

But, ah ! how soon my j'03'S decay ! 

How soon my sins arise, 
And snatch the heavenly scene away 

From these lamenting' eyes ! 

When shall the time, dear Jesus, when 

The shining day appear, 
That I shall leave these clouds of sin, 

And guilt and darkness here? 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 301 

October ii. 

Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer dark- 
ness, etc. — Matt. xxv. 30. Read the whole of the 
parable. 

Look at this man to whom his Lord had given 
one talent ; he could not bear the thought of using 
his talent according to the will of Him from whom 
he had it, and therefore he chose to make himself 
happier in a way of his own. " Lord," said he, " I 
knew thee, that thou wast a hard man," etc. But 
his Lord having convicted him out of his own 
mouth, dispatched him with this sentence, "Cast 
the unprofitable servant into outer darkness," etc. 
Here you see how happy this man made himself by 
not acting wholly according to his Lord's will. It 
was, according to his own account, a happiness of 
murmuring and discontent: " I knew thee," says 
he, "that thou wast a hard man ;" — it was a hap- 
piness of fears and apprehensions : "I was," says 
he, "afraid;" — it was a happiness of vain labors 
and fruitless travels : "I went," said he, " and hid 
thy talent;" — and after having been awhile the 
sport of foolish passions and fears, he is rewarded 
with darkness, eternal weeping, and gnashing of 
teeth. Look at the man with his five talents : — 
"Lord, thou gavest me five talents," etc. Here 
you see a man intent on improving his talents ; he 
hath no uneasy passions, murmurings, vain fears, 
and fruitless labors, like the other ; but his work 
prospers in his hands, his happiness increases upon 
him, the blessing of five becomes doubled, and he 
is received with a "Well done, good and faithful 
servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

With careful hand may I employ 

The talents God has given ; 
Yet not my profit, but my faith, 

Must bring my soul to heaven. 



302 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 12. 
Through desire, a man having separated himself, 
seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. — 
Prov. xviii. 1. The fruit of the Spirit is love, 
joy, peace, long -suffering, gentleness, etc. — Gal. 
v. 22, 23. 

Through pride and self-will, a man having sep- 
arated himself from the written word of God and 
the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeks to set up 
and pull down, and to establish everything accord- 
ing to his own wisdom, self-interest, or ambition, 
instead of humbly following the truth as it is in 
Jesus. Self-will never becomes a Christian, and 
much less a reviling those who differ from us. The 
Lord was not in the strong wind, nor in the earth- 
quake, nor in the fire ; but in the still small voice 
(1 Kings xix. 11, 12). He that taketh offence at 
everything that differs from him, shews great 
weakness. It is written "Destroy it not" (Isa. 
lxv. 8). Though the grape be young, there is wine 
in the cluster. All spiritual exercises are good ; 
brotherly love renders them beautiful and lovely. 
The Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ breathes love to 
him, holy joy in his salvation, and a divine and 
peaceable temper, with long suffering and gentle- 
ness toward the weakness and infirmities of all 
around us. The fruit of the Spirit is real goodness 
in heart and life, a steadfast faith in a precious 
Jesus, a partaking of His divine meekness, temper- 
ance, etc. By these things let us daily try our own 
spirit, instead of sitting in judgment on the spirit 
of others. 

Lo ! what an entertaining sight 

Are brethren that agree ; 
Brethren whose cheerful hearts unite 

In bands of piety ! 

When streams of love, from Christ the spring, 

Descend to every soul, 
And heavenly peace, with balmy wing, 

Shades and' bedews the whole. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 30s 

October 13. 

By this shall all men know that ye are my disci- 
ples, if ye love one another. — John xiii. 35. And 
the multitude of them that believed were of one 
heart and of one soul. — Acts iv. 32. 

" God is Love ; and every one that loveth is. 
born of God ;" if we love one another as brethren 
in Christ, and love all saints as saints, not becanse 
they are of this or that party ; and if we love not in 
word only but in deed, and shew the truth of our 
love by works and labors of love, — this is a solid 
proof to ourselves and to others that we are real 
disciples of Jesus. It is a clear testimony that we 
have truly learned Christ, and that we have His 
Spirit and His love shed abroad in our hearts ; that 
we are of the family and household of faith, and 
shall enjoy all the family privileges. This is a 
better evidence, and more convincing to all around 
us of what we are, than all knowledge, gifts, attain- 
ments, and outward privileges whatever. O God of 
love, cause me to love thee, and all thine ; the 
poor, the weak, and the feeble, as well as the strong; 
for all are thine ! 

Let party names no more 

The Christian world o'erspread; 
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free, 

Are one in Christ their Head. 

Among the saints on earth 

Let mutual love be found ; 
Heirs of the same inheritance, 

With mutual blessings crowned. 

Let envy and ill-will 

Be banished far away ; 
Those should in strictest friendship dwell 

Who the same Lord obey. 

Then will the Church below 

Resemble that above, 
Where streams of pleasure ever flow, 

And every heart is love. 



304 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 14. 

Watch therefore ; for ye know not what hour your 
Lord doth come. — Matt. xxiv. 42. 

To watch is the wise exercise of a gracious soul, 
who is sensible of his own weakness, loves his 
Saviour, and fears to grieve His Spirit ; who is well 
acquainted with the depth of corruption in his 
fallen nature ; is well apprised of the invisible 
powers of darkness, and hearkens to the voice of 
his kind and adorable Shepherd. This watchful- 
ness discovers an awakened attention to our spiri- 
tual concerns, and has the love of Christ for its 
motive, and is attended with a constant dependence 
on Christ for protection from dangers, and for 
strength against all enemies, together with supplies 
of grace in every time of need. If our religion be 
only in outward profession, it may pass without 
watching ; but if it be true grace in the he^.rt from 
Jesus Christ, that sacred treasure will need to be 
guarded by circumspect watchfulness. The ex- 
hortation is to all God's children, necessary in 
every condition, in every stage of a Christian's life; 
in youth, manhood, old age ; in prosperity and 
adversity, in the seasons of consolations, and in the 
times of temptation ; in company, and alone. O 
blessed Jesus, help me to watch and pray ; let me 
be always ready ; keep me in thy love, and preserve 
me by thy power, till my change shall come. 

I/jrd, help me to watch, 

And help me to pray ; 
For foes lie at catch 

Bj' night and by day. 

The world and the devil 

Are spreading their net ; 
My heart, too, is evil, 

And full of deceit. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 305 

October 15. 

David's Prayer : — As a hart panteth for the water 
brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. — 
Ps. xlii. 1, 2. 

Divine Answer : — Ho ! every one that thirsteth, 
come ye to the wateis, a?id he that hath no money: 
come ye, buy a?id eat ; yea, come, buy wine and 
milk without money, and without price. Hearken 
diligently u?ito me, and eat ye that which is good, 
and let your soul delight itself in fatness. — Isa. 
lv. i, 2. 

There is a great difference between a legal and 
a faint-hearted soul : the former is puffed up with 
self-righteousness ; the latter humbly thirsts after 
Christ's righteousness ; therefore he is not under 
the law. but has grace already. It is only the child, 
or the new man actually born, that can cry and 
thirst. And though he cannot so fully believe it, 
yet to have grace is one thing, and to feel and 
enjoy it is another. Therefore let not the weak be 
confounded, which is done very easily, the enemy 
himself contributing to it as much as he can ; but 
let it be declared, even to the weakest, that they 
have saving grace when they are brought to be 
earnestly panting and made truly willing to receive 
all without price (Matt. v. 3). 

Kternal wisdom has prepared 

A soul-reviving feast, 
And bids our longing appetites 

The rich provisions taste. 

Jesus, the God, invites us here 

To this triumphant feast, 
And brings immortal blessings down 

For each redeemed guest. 

O ! glorious God. what can we pay 

For favors so divine? 
We would de%-ote our hearts alway 

To be for ever thine. 



306 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 16. 

David's Prayer : — How long shall I take counsel 
in my soul, havi7ig sorrow in my heart daily? — 
Ps. xiii. 2. 

Divine Answer : — Be careful for nothing ; but in 
everything by prayer and supplication, with 
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known 
unto God. — Phil. iv."6. Commit thy way unto 
the Lord ; trust also in Him, and He shall sus- 
tain thee.— -Vs. xxxvii. 5 ; lv. 22. For He has 
done wonderful things ; His counsels of old are 
aithfulness and truth. — Isa. xxv. 1. 

" Be careful for nothing," is a wall against a 
thousand troubles. But if we give room to any 
care and unbelief, it is like a leaven that spreads 
through all our actions. Therefore we ought never 
to despair in our lawful calling, but rely in all 
things on the good providence and faithfulness of 
God ; firmly believing that He will never fail to 
carry us through the most difficult and intricate 
circumstances, though there should be ever so little 
appearance for it in our own eyes. But, alas ! Lord, 
how often do our hearts misgive us, and we either 
murmur at thy providence, or we trust to ourselves ! 
how seldom have we cast all our care upon thee, 
and, in humble faith, implored thy direction ! Oh ! 
help us to commit our way unto thee. 

He that can dash whole worlds to death 

And make them when He please, 
He speaks, and that Almighty breath 

Fulfills His great decrees. 

His very Word of grace is strong, 

As that which built the skies ; 
The voice that rolls the stars along 

Speaks all the promises. 

He said, " Let the wide earth be spread;" 
And heaven was stretched abroad ; 

"Abram, I'll be thy God." He said ; 
And he was Abram's God. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 307 

October 17. 

It is done. — Rev. xxi. 6. 

When Jesus bowed the head, and gave up the 
ghost, He said, "It is finished ! " — the work of 
obedience and suffering, which I had undertaken, 
is finished. When all the redeemed are gathered, 
He who sitteth on the throne, beholding those He 
purchased with His blood, thus expresseth himself, 
' ' It is done ! " — the means and helps appointed for 
training you up and preparing you for glory, are 
now laid aside, — that "which is perfect is come, 
and that which was in part is done away." What 
depth of wisdom, what order in the plan of salva- 
tion, and in the tendency of its various parts to 
perfect the glorious work of redeeming love, agree- 
ably to the eternal counsel of peace ! (Rom. viii. 
2 9> 3°)- " This is the doing of the Lord, and is it 
not marvelous in our eyes ?' ' When receiving the 
Spirit that is of God, do I not see and admire my 
dear Immanuel in the whole of the plan ; in Him 
the beginning and finishing of this grand design ? 
Am I a part of the plan ? is not His eye upon me, 
His hand about me ? Oh ! amazing wisdom and 
love ! shall no part be neglected ? — can nothing fail 
in the Redeemer's hand ? — shall even the weakest 
be supported? — shall none be lost? — shall all His 
have eternal life ? Why then should I fear ? The 
mighty One will do His works in me and for me. 
Is the prospect by faith of this finished work pleas- 
ant and transporting ? — what must the immediate 
blessed vision be ! O my God, keep me by thy 
power to everlasting salvation. 

When all the saints are gathered home, 

And time its course has run, 
What shouts the ransomed souls will give, 

When Jesus cries, " 'Tis done !" 



308 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 18. 
We must through much tribulation enter into the 
kingdom of God. — Acts xiv. 22. Therefore, let 
us ru7i with patience the race that is set before 
us. — Heb. xii. 1. Ye have not yet resisted unto 
blood, striving against sin. — Verse 4. 

Some licentious professors think there is noneu 
to strive against sin, and some would seem so holy 
as to be above it ; but here we are plainly told of a 
striving against it. What St. Paul speaks of the 
conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, is to the 
same purpose : " For the flesh lusteth against the 
Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh ; and these 
are contrary the one to the other ; so that ye cannot 
do the things that ye would" (Gal. v. 17). The 
most experienced Christians are witnesses to it. 
The Word of God is said to be a sword, our prayers 
the wrestling, and our faith the victory. Thus our 
whole race consists in strivings and conquests. 
There is always an enemy to be conquered first, 
before we can make a considerable progress in any- 
thing that is good ; and none of our enemies are 
very easily to be overcome ; but some are very 
stubborn ; therefore courage and patience are re- 
quired ; and thus we may be sure to have tHe vic- 
tory at last. 

In Jesu's strength seek, O my soul, 

Thy glorious warfare to pursue ; 
He only can thy sins control, 

And give thee vict'ries ever new. 

The land of triumph lies on high, 
There are no fields of battle there ; 

I^ord, make me conquer till I die, 
And finish well the glorious war. 

Assist me with supplies of grace, 
To bring thy gospel good renown ; 

And let me, when my labors cease, 
Receive through Christ the promised crown. 



I 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 309 

October 19. 
We are justified freely by His grace, through the 
redemption that is in Christ Jesus ; whom God 
hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith 
in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the 
remission of sins that are past. — Rom. iii. 24, 25. 
See also John iii. 16. 

How sweet are the words, " By grace (without 
merit) ye are saved ! " Here is an overflowing- 
fountain of comfort and divine strength. But how 
little are the generality of vain and worldly people, 
who still feed upon husks, acquainted with these 
words ! How little are they relished by our self- 
righteous moral Christians ! But, oh ! how deli- 
ciously does a poor hungering sinner fare upon 
them ! There is hardly anything less known and 
understood, as to the power and experience, than 
the mystery of Christ's suffering and dying for us, 
and justification by faith in Him ; though it is the 
only paradise and element of believers, and the 
greatest jewel restored by the Reformation. Such 
talking and representations of sin as only strike the 
imagination, are not sufficient ; but we must also 
feel the mortal wounds of sin, by which the flesh is 
mortified, and be actually healed by the stripes of 
Christ. 

God, the great God that rules the skies, 

The gracious and the just, 
Makes His own Son a sacrifice ; 

And here lies all our trust. 

Here rest, my faith, and ne'er remove ; 

Here let repentance rise, 
While I behold His bleediug love, 

His dying agonies. 

With shame and sorrow, here I own 

How great my guilt has been ; 
This is my way t' approach the throne, 

And God forgives my sin. 



3io THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 20. 
See that ye fall not out by the way. — Gen. xlv. 24. 

Joseph, having shewn himself fully reconciled 
to his brethren, dismisses them with this needful 
caution, " See that ye fall not out by the way/' 
He knew that they were but too apt to be quarrel- 
some. One might say, "It was you that first up- 
braided him with his dreams;" another, "It was 
you that said, " Let us kill him," etc. Thus their 
journey to their father's house would be very un- 
comfortable, if this spirit of quarreling and upbraid- 
ing once got possession of them. Fellow-Christians, 
what a lesson is here for us ! What says our Lord 
Jesus to us? Love one another, live in peace: 
whatever occurs, " Let us not fall out by the way." 
Are we not all brethren ? Have we not all one 
Father ? Are we not all subjects of free and 
-sovereign grace ? Are we not all agreed in essen- 
tial points ? Are we not all sinners by nature and 
practice? Have we not all one object of faith? 
Are we not all traveling the same road ? Oh ! then, 
why should we fallout by the way? Suppose we 
be of different denominations, yet holding the same 
Head, why cannot we love as brethren? Let not 
the strong despise the weak, nor the weak judge 
the strong. Suppose our way should part a little 
as to externals ; yet all setting out from the same 
spiritual Egypt, all under the same Leader, why 
may we not all hope to meet at last in the true 
Canaan ? Satan, false professors, and the ungodly 
world, are unanimous in their opposition to us : let 
us be united, that they prevail not against us (Phil, 
ii. i, 2). 

Our Jesus is the Prince of Peace, 
Who made God's quarrel with us cease ; 
And now He bids the children come, 
But quarrel not as they go home. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 311 

October 21. 

The sinner's Prayer : — Where shall I find rest ? 

Divine Answer : — Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in 
the ways and see ; and ask for the old paths \ 
where is the good way, and walk therein, and 
you shall find rest for your souls. — Jer. vi. 16. 
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden y and I will give you rest. Take my yoke 
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and 
lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 
— Matt. xi. 28-30. 

In our own ways there is nothing but trouble ; 
but giving ourselves entirely up to be guided by 
God at His own pleasure, we may always be easy, 
since we know that by every step He brings us 
nearer to heaven. The only way to rest is the way 
of repentance and faith ; in which we consider 
ourselves from the beginning, even to the end of 
our Christian life, as utterly lost and condemned by 
the law, but as perfectly reconciled and justified 
through Christ. Thus to abide in Him, to let Him 
work alone, and be truly resigned to His ways, will 
certainly have the desired effect ; whilst, by the 
righteousness and workings of our own hearts, we 
can never attain to it, and, which is worse, may be 
lulled into a false rest. 

IvOrd, I believe a rest remains, 

To all thy people known, 
A rest, where pure enjoyment reigns 

And thou art loved alone. 

A rest, where all our soul's desire 

Is fixed on things above ; 
Where grief, and pain, and fear expir 

Cast out by perfect love. 

This is the feast of saints on high, 

But I may taste below ; 
And sweeter tastes God will supply, 

As into Christ I grow. 



312 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 22. 
Ye are complete in Him. — Col. ii. 10. The Scrip- 
tures are able to make thee wise unto salvation 
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. That the 
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished 
unto all good works. — 2 Tim. iii. 15, 17. Arid 
of His fullness have all we received, and grace 
for grace.— John i. 16. 

Think, O believer, with wonder and amaze- 
ment, reflect with gratitude and love, that, whilst 
thou art deploring the common ruin of human 
nature, and mournfully feeling its sad effects upon 
thy own soul, thou may est yet look through all 
thine imperfection, frailty, and unworthiness, to 
thy glorious Representative, and see th} T self com- 
plete in Him. The law which would condemn thee, 
He has completely satisfied : the obedience which 
it requires, in order to thine acceptance with God, 
He has completely paid ; and that eternal life, from 
which thy sinful imperfections must have for ever 
barred thee, is now become thine inalienable in- 
heritance, as the reward of His righteousness, who 
lived and died for thee. Go forth, then, and glorify 
Him in heart and life. The more thou believest in 
Him, the more wilt thou love Him ; and the more 
thou lovest Him, the better wilt thou serve Him ; 
and till He shall remove thee from this vale of sin 
and sorrow, let thy song in the house of thy pil- 
grimage be this, " Complete in Him ! " 

To all my vileness, Christ is glory bright ; 
To all my mis'ries, infinite delight ; 
To all my ignorance, wise without compare ; 
To my deformity, the eternal fair. 

Sight to my blindness, to my meanness wealth ; 
Life to my death, and to my sickness health ; 
To darkness light, my liberty in thrall ; 
What shall I say?— My Christ is All in All ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 313 

October 23. 

Will ye speak wickedly for God ? and talk deceit- 
fully for Him f — Job xiii. 7. Thy word is truth. 
— John xvii. 17. 

When Moses saw an Egyptian and an Israelite 
striving together, he killed the Egyptian and saved 
the Israelite (Exod. ii. 12). But when he saw two 
Israelites striving together, he labored to reconcile 
them, saying, ' ' Ye are brethren, why do ye strive ?" 
So when we read, or see the Apocryphal Books, or 
Heathen Story, or Popish Traditions, contradicting 
the Scriptures, — as, for instance, Jacob curseth the 
wrath and anger of Simeon and Levi, for murder- 
ing the Shechemites (Gen. xlix. 7); and Judith 
blessed God for killing them (Judith 9), — here, and 
in such like places, let us kill the Egyptian, but 
save the Israelite, — set a value on the Scriptures, 
but slight the Apocrypha. But when we meet 
with any appearance of seeming contradiction in 
the canon of Scripture, as where it is said, "God 
tempted Abraham" (Gen. xxii. 1) and, "God 
tempteth no man " (James i. 13) — here now, and 
in many other places, we must be reconcilers, and 
distinguish between a temptation of trial, which is 
from God, and a temptation of seducement, which 
is by the devil ; and these two, seemingly differing 
friends, will appear to be brethren, and agree well. 

The Spirit breathes upon the word, 

And brings the truth to sight ; 
Precepts and promises afford 

A sanctifying light. 

A glory gilds the sacred page, 

Majestic like the sun ; 
It gives a light to every age. 

It gives, but borrows none. 

The hand that gave it still supplies 

The gracious light and heat ; 
His truths upon the nations rise, 

They rise, but never set. 



314 THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 24. 

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb 
Hebron for an inheritance. — Joshua xiv. 13. 

The spies that went up to view the promised 
land, all except Caleb and Joshua, made a formid- 
dable report of the gigautic inhabitants of Hebron, 
saying, "We are not able to go up against the 
people, for they are stronger than we." Caleb 
(answering well to his name, which signifies all- 
heart) stilled the people before Moses, and said, 
" Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are 
well able to overcome." We are told he had 
another spirit with him, and followed God fully. 
Moses, therefore, was commissioned to make him a 
grant of all the land whereon his feet had trodden, 
which was the mountain of Hebron. Caleb was 
eighty-five years old when he reminded Joshua of 
his promise ; he was forty when Moses sent him to 
spy out the land ; forty-seven years the Lord had 
saved him in the wilderness, and amid the perils of 
war. Joshua blessed him, acknowledged his claim 
and deserts, besought God to prosper him, and gave 
him the country ; — thus was his fidelity and up- 
rightness rewarded. Reader, are you like-hearted 
with Caleb ? Are you longing after Hebron ? — that 
is, communion with God. Are you eager to fight 
against your spiritual foes— those sons of Anak — 
lusts, passions, the devil, and the world ? If so, 
remember the promise, ' ■ As your day is, so shall 
your strength be found. " Keep up fellowship with 
God, and no enemy shall be too strong for you ; 
follow God fully ; eye the Captain of your salva- 
tion ; fight in His name and strength, and you shall 
conquer every foe. 

All heart, like Caleb, may I be 

Against each spiritual foe ; 
And, like him, trusting in the I,ord, 

To fight and conquer go. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 315 

October 25. 

At midnight the Lord smote all the first-born in the 

land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh 

that sat on his throne, unto the first-born of the 

captive that was in the dungeon. — Exod. xii. 29. 

The death of every first-born of the Egyptians- 
carried so lively a resemblance, and bore so natural 
a relation to their sin in destroying every male of 
the Israelites, that they must needs perceive it was 
inflicted as a punishment for that very cruelty ; and 
consequently, must conclude, that the God of Israel 
took particular notice of human transactions, and, 
sooner or later, rewarded every man according to 
his works. The gradual increase of the judgments 
inflicted on Egypt is somewhat remarkable, and 
equally expressive of the mercy and justice of God. 
The four first plagues were loathsome rather than 
fatal to the Egyptians ; but after that of the flies, 
came the murrain, which chiefly spent its rage 
upon the cattle ; the biles and Mains reached both 
man and beast, though there was still a reserve for 
life ; the hail and locusts extended, in a great 
measure, even to life itself, — the first by an imme- 
diate stroke, and both, consequent!}', by destroying 
the fruits of the earth ; that of darkness added con- 
sternation to their minds, and lashes to their con- 
sciences ; and when all this would not reclaim, at 
length came the decisive blow, — first, the slaying 
of the first-born, and then the drowning of the 
incorrigible tyrant, and all his host. " Great and 
marvelous are thy works. O Lord God Almighty I 
just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints !" 

I,et no proud sinner grow secure 
Who has through dangers past ; 

If former judgments turn thee not, 
Thy life shall go at last. 



316 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 26. 

Solomon's Prayer : — Draw vie, we will run after 
thee. — Song of Sol. i. 4. 

Divine Answer : — / have loved thee with an ever- 
lasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have 
I drawn thee. — Jer. xxxi. 3. See also Rom. 
viii. 39. 

Many and various are the ways the Almighty 
takes in bringing His children to Himself, and to a 
knowledge of the things of their peace. Sometimes 
He draws by the silken bands of love ; sometimes 
by the still small voice of His Spirit ; sometimes by 
the knotted cords of pain and sickness ; some- 
times He drives them by the storm and tempest of 
His broken law ; but most effectually in giving 
His Son to die for them. Reader, pray always to 
Him to make you sensible of the secret, tender 
drawings of His love, and willing to follow them 
directly. This praying always is very needful, 
because we are always in want, and without being 
instant and earnest, we cannot receive much. 
Therefore it is not a hard command, but a great 
benefit and privilege ; as if God should say, " You 
are a poor child, always wanting something ; but 
you may always pray to me, and I will always hear, 
and assist, and draw thee after me." 

Oh ! draw me, Saviour, after thee, 

So shall I run and never tire ; 
With gracious words still comfort me, 

And'be my hope and whole desire. 
No lust can stir, or guilty fear, 
Nor worldly wish, if thou art there. 

Oh ! that I, as a little child, 

May follow thee, nor ever rest, 
Till sweetly thou hast poured thy mild 

And lowly mind into my breast ; 
Nor ever may we parted be, 
Till I become one spirit with thee. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 317 

October 27. 

Them that honor me I will honor ; and they that 
despise me shall be lightly esteemed. — 1 Sam. 
ii. 30. 

This is part of the prophet's message to Eli when 
he honored his sons above God. He had indeed 
reproved them, saying, " Why do ye these things? 
for I hear of your evil doings by all the people ;" 
but he did not exert his authority in punishing 
them as they deserved when they slighted his 
reproof. This was accounted by God as winking 
at their sin. He therefore acquaints him, that 
Hophni and Phinehas, as they had sinned together, 
should die together, and his posterity be cut off in 
the flower of their age, and from the high priest- 
hood. Eli was not much affected with this pro- 
phecy, till the threatening was repeated by Samuel, 
an artless child, who did not know the voice of the 
Lord till Eli instructed him. It appeared then 
much more terrible than from the mouth of the 
prophet, and led him humbly to acknowledge the 
justice of God, and to submit to the sentence with 
a truly penitent heart. This is written for our 
admonition. Are we valiant for the truth, regard- 
ing neither father, nor mother, nor the most tender 
relation, where the interest and honor of our God 
are concerned ? Parents, let this be a warning to 
you to train up your children in the fear of the 
Lord: " For the arms of the wicked shall be 
broken; but the Lord upholdeth the righteous" 
(Ps. xxxvii. 17). 

The Lord Jehovah calls, 

Be every ear inclined ; 
May such a voice awake each heart, 

And captivate each mind. 

Oh ! harden not your hearts, 

But hear His voice to-da} r ; 
L,est, ere to-morrow's earliest dawn, 

He call your souls away. 



318 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 28. 

Abraham against hope believed in hope.— Rom. 
iv. 18. 

Abraham's faith seemed to be in a thorough 
correspondence with the power and constant faith- 
fulness of Jehovah. In the outward circumstances 
in which he was placed, he had not the greatest 
cause to expect the fulfillment of the promise. Yet 
he believed the word of the Lord, and looked for- 
ward to the time when his seed should be as the 
stars of heaven for multitude. O my soul, thou 
hast not one single promise only, like Abraham, 
but a thousand promises, and many patterns of 
faithful believers before thee : it behooves thee, 
therefore, to rely with confidence upon the word of 
God. And though the Lord delayeth His help, and 
the evil seemeth to grow worse and worse, be not 
weak, but rather strong, and rejoice, since the most 
glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in 
such a wondrous manner, that He steps forth to 
save us at a time when there is the least appearance 
of it. He commonly brings His help in our greatest 
extremity that His ringer may plainly appear in our 
deliverance. And this method He chooses, that we 
may not trust upon anything that we see or feel, as 
we are always apt to do, but only upon His bare 
word, which we may depend upon in every state. 

How large the promise ! how divine ! 

To Abra'm and his seed ; 
" I'll be a God to thee and thine, 

Supplying all their need." 

The words of this extensive love 

From age to age endure ; 
The Angel of the Covenant proves, 

And seals the blessing sure. 

Our God, how faithful are His ways, 

His love endures the same ; 
Nor from the promise of His grace 

Blots out the sinner's name. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 319 

October 29. 
Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. 
— Gal. i. 16. For the king's commandment was 
urgent ; much more the commandment of the 
King of kings. — Dan. iii. 22. Therefore, be not 
slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord. — Rom. xii. 11. 

The speediest and easiest method to accomplish 
our desire of overcoming the evil and doing the 
good, is an immediate compliance with our first 
convictions, without conferring with flesh and 
blood. If we delay the work, we give room to 
other people without, and to Satan and to our sinful 
hearts from within, to persuade us to the contrary ; 
by which the flesh can easily renew its strength, 
and the spirit will be weakened. And what will 
be the consequence of this, but that either we mis- 
carry in our design, or that the conflict will be 
afterward so much sharper, and the good work, if 
not stifled, dropt entirely ; yet if it be done, it will 
not be done so completely, and with such single- 
ness of heart, as it should be. But if we narrowly 
watch our hearts, and directly engage with even 
the least opposition when it stirs, then our enemies 
will not be so strong, and we shall have no reason 
to despair. 

Jesus, mighty to renew. 
Work in me to will and do ; 
Turn v&y nature's rapid tide ; 
Stem the torrent of my pride. 

Take away my darling sin, 
Make me willing to be clean ; 
Make me willing to receive 
What thy goodness waits to give. 

Then my soul shall praise thy grace ; 
Then with gladness run my race ; 
And, when all my course is done, 
Receive the prize thy cross has won. 



320 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

October 30. 

Yield not your members as instruments of unrigh- 
teousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, 
as those that are alive from the dead, and your 
members as instruments of righteousness. — Rom. 
vi. 13. Prese?it your bodies a living sacrifice, 
holy, acceptable unto Goa. — Rom. xii. 1. 

If God has my members as weapons and instru- 
ments in His hands, I shall certainly be able not 
only to work, but also to conquer, since He under- 
stands full well how to manage them. May the 
Lord only give me grace not to wind myself out of 
His hands, else I must needs be like a dead, useless 
carcass ; for how can a pen write alone, without 
being in the hand of a writer ? It is true, indeed, 
it is very hard, nay, impossible, to be really good, 
and to do all that is good, if we undertake it alone ; 
but God himself living and working in us, and 
we truly delighting in Him, it is very easy and 
pleasant. Therefore, care is only to be taken that 
our hearts may be alwa} r s the working-place, and 
our members the instruments of God, in which, 
and through w 7 hich, He can perform everything 
himself. 

Now God I serve ; to Him alone 

My thankful homage pay ; 
My only master Christ I own, 

And Him will I obey. 

To Him my members I present, 

Which He will not refuse ; 
The meanest, basest instrument, 

His glory deigns to use. 

Come then, my soul, to God the Lord, 

In holy ardor come ; 
Obey the precepts of His Word, 

Until He calls thee home. 

A slave to sin too long thou wast, 

But Christ has set thee free ; 
Anthems of praise forever burst 

To Him who ransomed thee. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 321 

October 31. 
The fear of man bringeth a snare. — Prov. xxix. 25. 
Be not conformed to this world. — Rom. xii. 2. 
If any man love the world, the love of the Father 
is not in him. — 1 John. ii. 15. 

How many people swell with pride and vanity 
for such things as they would not know how to 
value at all but that they are admired in the world ! 
How fearful are many of having their houses poorly 
furnished, or themselves meanly clothed, for this 
only reason, lest the world should make no account 
of them, and place them amongst low and mean 
people ! How often would a man have yielded to 
the haughtiness and ill-nature of others, and shewn 
a submissive temper, but that he dares not pass for 
such a poor-spirited man in the opinion of the 
world ! How many wish to be real Christians, and 
would practice Christian temperance and sobriety, 
were it not for the censure the world passes upon 
such a life ! Others have frequent intentions of 
living up to the rules of Christianity, from which 
they are frighted by considering what the world 
would say of them. Thus does the impression 
which we have received from living in the world 
enslave our minds, that we dare not attempt to be 
eminent in the sight of God and holy angels, 
for fear of being little in the eyes of the world. 
Reader, how is it with thee ? Art thou still hang- 
ing between God and the world ? Consider for a 
moment, what can the world give thee in exchange 
for the favor of God ? What can it help thee in 
sickness, death and judgment ? Reflect seriously on 
this, with prayer unto God, and the snares of the 
world will be broken. 

l^ord, save me from the fear of man, 

Which surely brings a snare ; 
And make me hear their scoffs and jests 

With unconcerned ear. 



If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those 
things which are above, where Christ sitteth 
on the right hand of God. 

Set your affection on things above — not on 
things on the earth. 

For ye are dead : and your life is hid with 
Christ in God. — Col. iii. 1-3. 



My soul, wait thou only upon God : for my 
expectation is from Him. — Ps. lxii. 5. 



They that wait upon the Lord shall renew 
their strength : they shall mount up with wings 
as eagles ; they shall run y and not be weary ; 
and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isa. 
xl. 31. 



^^^^ 



(322) 



THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 323 

NOVEMBER I. 

At the beginning of thy supplications the command- 
ment came forth. — Dan. ix. 23. Continuing in- 
stant in prayer. — Rom. xii. 12. 

Oh ! comfortable and encouraging thought, that 
in the same moment the supplication ascended, the 
gracious answer descended. When we pray with 
simplicity and earnestness of soul, the return of 
grace and love meets our request before it hath 
ascended half way to heaven : and when the L/Ord 
is going to bless us, He pours out a spirit of prayer, 
and raises a desire for that particular blessing He 
is going to communicate. Therefore, when we are 
enabled to pray earnestly, w T e may be sure that 
blessings are coming, and that we shall certainly 
receive in due time a seasonable and visible help. 
Then let us only go on, and put, as it were, one 
weight of prayers after another upon the scales of 
the sanctuary. But it is well to be observed that 
we must also be watchful, and not act contrary to 
the intent of our prayers, which might provoke the 
Lord to delay His help. But when He tarries long, 
it is not His intention to give us a denial ; but 
rather make us more desirous and earnest, that He 
may bestow the more upon us afterward. For this 
delay He will certainly well recompense, and grant 
us abundantly above all that we could ask or think. 

Lord, I will not let thee go 
Till the blessing thou bestow ; 
Hear my Advocate divine ; 
I*o ! to His my suit I join. 

Joined to His it cannot fail ; 
Jesus' suing- must prevail. 
Friend of sinners, King of saints, 
Answer my minutest wants. 

All my largest thoughts require, 
Grant me all my heart's desire ; 
Give me till my cup run o'er, 
Then my heart can hold no more. 



324 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 2. 
When the woman saw that the tree was good for 
food y and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a 
tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the 
fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her 
husband with her, and he did eat. — Gen. iii. 6. 
Every man is tempted when he is drawn away t cf 
his ozvn lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath 
conceived, it bring eth forth sin, etc. — James i. 15. 

Thus one sin always begets another : by the eyes 
it rushes into the heart ; from the heart it proceeds 
into the mouth, hands and feet ; from us it is trans- 
ferred upon others ; and thus we go on sinning, 
and falling deeper and deeper. Therefore we must 
set a strict guard over our eyes and ears ; be very 
cautious, and resist the least beginnings of sin ; not 
making light of any, for the least spark of worldly 
lust being entertained and cherished, we eat of the 
forbidden tree, standing every way before us, and 
thereby a great fire may be kindled. But having 
always our eyes fixed, and all our conversation 
upon the presence of God in Christ, so as to walk 
continually in the light, and directly to quell the 
least inward motions of evil, they will never break 
forth into gross outward sins, but we shall daily 
grow in grace. May the Lord enable me to prac- 
tice this good lesson, and may He himself watch 
continually over my heart, eyes, lips, and all other 
senses and thoughts ! 

With ray whole heart I seek thy face, 

Oh ! let ine never stray 
From thy commands. O God of grace, 

Xor tread the sinner's way. 

Thy word I hide within m}- heart, 

To keep my conscience clean, 
And be an everlasting guard 

From every rising sin. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 325 

November 3. 

The preaching of the cross is to us which are saved 
the power of God. — 1 Cor. i. 18. 

Oh ! that I might always feed upon the cross, 
and experience its* power, till I had obtained a 
complete victory ! Whosoever was bit by a fiery 
serpent, and looked upon the brazen serpent, lived 
(Numb. xxi. 9). Thus always to look upon Christ 
crucified is the one thing needful, from which all 
other blessings flow. ' ' And as Moses lifted up the 
serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of 
Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him 
should not perish, but have eternal life. For God 
sent not His Son into the world to condemn the 
world, but that the world through Him might be 
saved " (John iii. 14, 15, 17). Oh ! may the eyes 
of my faith be fixed immovably on thee, my cruci- 
fied Saviour ! for as long as I live I shall feel the 
biting of the old serpent, and therefore I have need 
to look unto thee continually ; and thou, gracious 
Lord, afford me cure, day by day, with entire heal- 
ing at last ! 

So did the Hebrew prophet raise 

The brazen serpent high ; 
The wounded felt immediate ease, 

The camp forbore to die. 

I,ook upward in the dying hour, 

And live, the prophet cries ; 
But Christ performs a nobler cure 

WTien faith lifts up her eyes. 

High on the cross the Saviour hung, 

High in the heavens He reigns ; 
Here sinners, by th' old serpent stung, 

IvOok and forget their paius. 

When God's own Son is lifted up, 

A dying world revives ; 
The Jew beholds his glorious hope, 

The expiring Gentile lives. 



326 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 4. 

The law is not made for a righteous man, to con- 
demn him. — 1 Tim. i. 9. For rulers are not a 
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou 
then not be afraid of the power ? Do that ivhich 
is good, a7id thou shall have praise of the same. 
— Rom. xiii. 3. See also Gal. iii. 16 to end. 

The righteous man being dead to the law by the 
death of Christ, and living to God in righteousness, 
the law can condemn him no more than a dead 
man, or one that liveth in heaven already, nay, 
Christ himself ; for it condemns only the sin : but 
he is in Christ, without sin ; for the sin being 
abolished, the wrath and curse of the law is also 
removed, and grace and blessing restored in its 
place. Christ has taken all his sins upon Himself, 
and imparted His own perfect obedience to the law 
to him ; therefore in Christ he has fully satisfied all 
the demands of the law, and is entirely free from 
its dreadful curse in his conscience : the blood of 
Christ cleanseth us from all sins, and consequently 
from an evil conscience (Heb. ix. 9, 14 ; andx. 22). 
Being sprinkled with His blood, and graciously 
covered with His golden robes, the Lord is perfectly 
pleased, and finds no more fault with us. The 
atoning blood makes intercession for us with God, 
crying continually, "Abba, abba; mercy, mercy; 
peace, peace ;" and obtains grace, pardon, life and 
salvation. 

Blood has a voice to pierce the skies ; 
Revenge ! the blood of Abel cries ; 
But the dear stream when Christ was slain, 
Speaks peace as loud from every vein. 

Pardon and peace from God on high ; 
Behold, He lays His vengeance by ; 
And rebels, that deserve His sword, 
Become the fav'rites of the Lord. 



I 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 327 

November 5. 

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, etc. 
— Deut. xxxiii. 26. 

In these last words of Moses we have the glory 
of God set forth. The whole universe God. hath 
made for His own use, to be the chariot for Him to 
ride in, as is represented in Ezekiel's vision. In this 
chariot God's seat or throne is heaven. This visi- 
ble universe, subject to such continual changes and 
revolutions, we may compare to the wheels of His 
chariot. God's providence is represented by the 
motion of the wheels ; He brings to pass His own 
counsels in the lower world, and manages and 
directs all, as a man doth his chariot which he 
turns as it pleaseth him. How safe, then, must 
they be who are under the wing of the God of 
Jesnurun ; who find Him reconciled to them by 
the death of His Son ; and feel themselves recon- 
ciled to Him by the power of His grace ! " He 
rideth on the heavens for their help." Verily, He 
it is that giveth strength and victory to His people, 
blessed be God. Reader, is the God of Jeshurun, 
the God of Israel, thy God ? Is He who rideth on 
the heavens thy help ? Does thine heart trust in 
Him alone, and His grace subdue thine outward 
iniquities, and thine inbred corruptions? Is He 
who rideth on the sky thine excellence ? If the 
Lord is not thy help, alas ! thou wilt prove a ruined 
soul. If the Lord is not thy excellence, thou art 
still a stranger unto God and Christ. Awake, arise, 
and call upon God ; His ear is open unto prayer, 
and thou art yet on mercy's ground. Oh ! call 
upon Him speedily, and cry unto Him earnestly, 
that thou perish not. 

May Christ, who ruleth in the sky, 

And is Jeshurun's God, 
My soul defend, my wants supply, 

And wash me in His blood. 



328 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 6. 
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and 
be co?itent with such things as ye have. — Heb. 
xiii. 5. For they that will be rich fall into temp- 
tation and a snare, and into ma?iy foolish and 
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destructio?i 
and perdition ; for the love of money is the root 
of all evil, etc. — 1 Tim. vi. 9, 10. 

A covetous man is called an idolater, and has 
no part in the kingdom of God. But who believes 
that he is covetous ? Now, here you see that every 
one is actually covetous who is not content with 
what he has. And what says the apostle of such as 
will be rich ? — They fall. Not only may they fall, 
but they actually do fall ; nor can the fall be 
avoided if men are determined they will be rich. 
O Reader ! be thou frightened ; get the covetous 
desires of thy heart subdued, and keep disentangled 
from worldly things ; for who knows how soon you 
must go out of this world, and leave everything 
behind ? Away from it with thy heart, else thy 
death will be very hard. The Christian's motto is, 
God and enough ; for he that has God is content ; 
and consequently always rich enough, even in 
poverty ; and that must be a covetous man indeed, 
who has not enough, having God. O Lord, make 
me so free by faith from the love ot earthly things, 
that I may equally praise thee, whether thou be 
pleased to give me something, or to take it away 
from me ; and that I may never covetously refuse 
that to others or to myself which thou hast given 
for my own and my neighbor's comfort. 

The rich young man whom Jesus loved 

Should warn us to forbear ; 
His love of earthly treasures proved 

A fatal golden snare. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 329 

November 7. 

The soul of the diligent shall be made fat. — Prov. 
xiii. 4. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, 
not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. — Rom. 



You are concerned for having no more grace ! 
What is the reason ? Perhaps you are indolent, 
careless and unfaithful. And though you have no 
warrant even for an hour to live, yet unreasonably 
you suppose you have time enough ; therefore you 
are not serious, diligent, and fervent in prayer for 
sufficient strength to be always prepared, and have 
boldness in death. No wonder, if you do not 
immediately resist sin, that it grows strong, and 
you always are weak and discouraged. And how 
can you expect to receive more grace, if you do not 
faithfully improve what little you have ? If you 
would but diligently and faithfully apply yourself 
to the Word and prayer, God would certainly not 
be wanting on His part to fulfill His promises, and 
give you enough, but not otherwise ; for it is well 
to be observed, that we must know it once for all, 
that there is no such thing as making any progress 
in grace, and carrying our point, unless we are 
mindful of ourselves ; watching and praying against 
all sins, and whatever may be an hindrance, on 
the one hand ; and following with all diligence that 
which is good, and what may be a furtherance, on 
the other. It is not enough to use some, but we 
must use all diligence ; and according as our grace 
is increased, our diligence must increase also, since 
it goes against the stream. 

Well to resist the sinful power 

Requires a strong restraint ; 
We must be watchful every hour, 

And pray, but never faint. 



330 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 8. 

In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better 
than themselves. — Phil. ii. 3. Bear ye one an- 
other^ burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 
For if a man think himself to be something, etc. 
But let every man prove his own work, and then 
shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not 
in another. — Gal. vi. 2-4. 

IF we were truly humble, and looked upon our- 
selves as most miserable sinners, we should will- 
ingly submit to all adversities, and patiently bear 
the burdens and infirmities, considering that God 
has borne with us a great deal more. Observing, 
therefore, the faults of our neighbor, we must not 
forget our own. Perhaps in other things we are 
weaker than he. This will restrain us from judging 
harshly, or speaking unadvisedly to .others ; but, 
first, we should speak to God about it, and then try, 
with gentle means, to bring them to rights again. 
Nay, the best method is to consider our neighbor 
on the good, and ourselves on the bad side, and to 
see whether we can excuse him and accuse our- 
selves ; and if his fault could not be excused in any 
manner, we must not suffer him to stir up our cor- 
ruption , but come in with prayer between God and 
him, to plead his cause before the throne in hearty 
love. It is very easy to find fault with others ; but 
to shew love, and restore them by prayer and 
brotherly correction, is quite another thing. 

Bless'd are the souls who stand afar 
From rage and passion, noise and war ; 
God will secure their happy state, 
And plead their cause against the great. 

Though in the path of death thej' tread, 
With gloomy horrors overspread, 
Their steadfast heart shall fear no ill, 
For thou, O L,ord, art with them still. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 331 

November 9. 

The eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest 
them their meat in due season. Thou openest 
thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living 
thing. He will fulfill the desire of them that 
fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will 
save them. — Ps. cxlv. 15, 16, 19. See also Ps. 
civ. 27, 28. 

Who considers these words enough ! The hand 
of God being my chief provision and store-house, 
is it not a shame to be anxiously careful for any- 
thing ? Has the Lord all things in His hand ? then 
surely I shall receive what He has for me ; none 
will be able to withhold it. Faith has always a free 
access to the treasures of God, who is never want- 
ing. Christians have their chests and treasures in 
such a high place, even in God, that no thief can 
rob them, and they are sure to have enough in God ; 
and though the Lord should try them with want a 
little while, yet He relieves them in due time, — 
their bread must rain from heaven, rather than they 
should be left without. You need not, says Christ, 
seek these other things, they shall be brought to 
you if ye only abide in me. If this does not com- 
fort and strengthen us, nothing else will. Now, 
many rely on their full pockets and purses ; but if 
they had true faith, it would be enough that they 
believed and had it in God's hand, purse and chest. 
If the Lord is pleased to bestow some provision on 
His servant, he is very thankful for it, and is care- 
ful to apply it well. But if God thinks proper to 
deny it him, he is content and cheerful. 

The Lord is good, the Lord is kind ; 

Great is His grace, His mercy sure ; 
And the whole race of man shall find 

His truth from age to age endure. 



332 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November io. 

They withstood Uzziah the king, arid said unto him, 
It appertaineih not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn 
incense unto the Lord. — 2 Chron. xxvi. 18. 

Here is the only blot we find on the name of 
Uzziah. As long as he sought the Lord in the right 
way, God made him to prosper. God helped him 
till he was strong; but when he was strong, his 
heart was lifted up to his own destruction. He was 
not content with the honors God had put upon him, 
but would usurp those that were forbidden him, 
like our first parents. The chief priest and other 
priests were ready to burn incense for the king, 
according to the duty of their office ; and plainly 
acquainted him, that if, through a mistaken zeal, 
he offered to do it himself, he would incur the 
wrath of God and suffer for it ; but this served only 
to excite his wrath, till he felt the judgment of 
God's hand in his punishment. Though he strove 
with the priests, he would not strive with his 
Maker, but retired as soon as he was smitten with 
the leprosy. Thus we see that " the God we have 
to deal with is a jealous God," who expects all that 
serve Him shall do it according to His own institu- 
tions. Do you, reader, come to Him in the way of 
His appointments? Take care that you come not 
with unhallowed fire before the Lord, lest you be 
also smitten. Our prayers, our graces, and our 
duties, must always be put by faith into the hand 
of our Lord Jesus, the High Priest of our profession, 
to be by Him presented unto God along with the 
sweet incense of His merits, else we shall find our- 
selves deceived, and have no acceptance with God. 

No strange incense let me bring 
To present unto my King ; 
I renounce my own desert ; 
Jesus, thou my incense art. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 333 

November ii. 

He, the Lord, will beautify the meek with salvation. 
— Ps. cxlix. 4. And if ye suffer for righteous- 
ness' sake, happy are ye. — 1 Peter iii. 14. Lord, 
thou hast heard the desire of the humble : thou 
wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine 
ear to hear. — Ps. x. 17. The meek shall eat and 
be satisfied ; they shall praise the Lord that seek 
Him : your heart shall live for ever. — Ps. xxii. 
26. But the meek shall inherit the earth ; and 
shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 
— Ps. xxxvii. 11. See also Ps. xlviii. 10; Isa. 
liv. 11. 

Aivi, this is for the humble and poor in spirit. 
How does that agree ? — poor, and yet blessed ! Oh ! 
yes, poor in ourselves, but blessed and glorious in 
Christ. If we never experience His glory, the 
reason is, we are not truly sensible of our misery ; 
but when we are come quite low, let us confidently 
lay hold on Christ, and we shall be blessed ; for all 
is ours. We may say, O Lord, if thou art a glorious 
help to the needy, lo ! here is want and misery 
enough ! therefore, I come with all my want and 
poverty to the fullness of thy grace and riches, 
with my darkness to thy light, with my death to 
thy life. Grant that all my evils may be swallowed 
up by thy goodness and glorious deliverance ! 
Mine innumerable wants I set before thee, as so 
many empty vessels, and desire to have them filled 
with thy spiritual and heavenly blessings. 

Oh ! might I hear the heavenly tongue 

But whisper, " Thou art mine !" 
Those gentle words should raise my song 

To notes almost divine. 

How would my leaping heart rejoice, 

And think my heaven secure ; 
I trust the all-creating Voice, 

And faith desires no more. 



334 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 12. 
Be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind. And 
put on the new man, which after God is created 
in righteousness and trice holiness. — Eph. iv. 
23, 24. Therefore we are buried with Him by 
baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised 
up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even 
so we also should walk i?i newness of life. — 
Rom. vi. 4. 

O Lord, grant me daily repentance, and a tender 
feeling of my sins, that by the power of thy death 
the Old Man may be crucified, and by the power of 
thy resurrection the New Man may rise up and 
grow in grace, being filled and refreshed with the 
fruits of the Spirit ! Let me ever be in earnest, 
and look upon every day as the very first and the 
very last, that with each I ma}', as it were, begin 
anew to work out my salvation with fear and trem- 
bling, and so be always prepared for death and 
eternity. Give me grace to surmount all difficul- 
ties, and to avoid everything that may prove a tor- 
ment of conscience in the hour of death. And as 
there is no standing still, I humbly beseech thee to 
stir me up daily and hourly more and more, that I 
may make all haste, and ''give all diligence to 
make my calling and election sure." 

Lord, I am vile, conceived in sin ! 
And born unholy, and unclean ! 
Sprung from the man whose guilty fall 
Corrupts the race, and taints us all. 

Soon as we draw our infant breath, 
The seeds of sin grow up for death ; 
The law demands a perfect heart ; 
But we're defiled in every part. 

Great God, create nry heart anew, 
And form my spirit pure and true ! 
Oh ! make me wise betimes, to spy 
My danger and my remedy. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 335 

November 13. 
He hath dispersed \ he hath given to the poor ; his 
righteousness endureth for ever. — Ps. cxii. 9. In 
the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening 
withhold not thine hand. — Eccles. xi. 6. 
Those that lay up treasures on earth, suffer 
nothing to lie long useless, but lend out as fast as 
they can ; and such as desire to reap soon and 
plentifully, are careful to sow soon and plentifully. 
Therefore lend and sow ye also in good time ; for 
there may be times when you cannot shew charity, 
or at least not so largely. We must not pretend to 
pay the debt of charity with some poor mites and 
pence. If you will give something, give bounti- 
fully ; take your hands full as if you were sowing, 
like the poor widow with her two mites, which she 
sowed out freely, though it were her whole sub- 
stance. But the rich ones were not so liberal, but 
covetously offered only what they could spare very 
well. Is it not said we should sow ? Now, seeds- 
men sow with hands full, and so should we ; for 
God loveth a cheerful giver, and will in His turn 
dispense again bountifully to you, that ye should 
have sufficiently in all things to every good work ; 
(but God dispensing so bountifully to you, why 
should you then grudge Him anything, or make 
only such poor returns ?) for what we do to our 
neighbor, is the same as if it were done to God 
Himself, if done in faith and love. 

Awake, my zeal ; awake, my love, 
And serve my Saviour here below, 

In works which all the saints above 
And holy angels cannot do. 

Awake, my charity, and feed 
The hungry soul, and clothe the poor ; 

In heaven are found no sons of need 
There all these duties are no more. 



336 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 14. 
He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. — 
Ps. cxxx. 8. O the Hope of Israel, the Saviour 
thereof in time of trouble. — Jer. xiv. 8. I?i wrath 
reme7nber mercy. — Hab. iii. 2. 

Despair not, O my soul, in any tribulation or 
conflict, as if it were impossible to overcome it. 
The all-healing Word of God contains advice and 
comfort for all cases. The Lord being thy helper 
in all adversity, and able to turn the sharpest afflic- 
tions into the greatest blessings, He would never 
smite, nor withhold something from thee, if He 
was not willing also to heal, and give thee some- 
thing better in its place. O Lord, I trust thou wilt 
carry me through all difficulties. Though my 
misery and weakness were ever so great, yet there 
is nothing too great for thee ; it is all one to thee to 
help in great and little distresses ; nay, the more I 
am surrounded with grief and weakness, the more 
wilt thou pity, spare and nourish me, as a tender 
mother does the least of all her children ; and the 
more occasion there will be to display thy mighty 
salvation. The sharper and longer my distress and 
conflicts have been, the nearer, greater and sweeter, 
I trust, will also be my salvation ; for the same 
Lord who has said I shall not be tried above 
measure, has also engaged to lead me on conquer- 
ing, till at length all nry enemies are subdued. 

There's full redemption at His throne 

For sinners long enslaved ; 
The great Redeemer is His Son, 

And Israel shall be saved. 

A hope so great, and so divine, 

May trials well endure ; 
And purge the soul from sense and sin, 

As Christ Himself is pure. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 337 

November 15. 
There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O 
Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, 
until ye take away the accursed thing from among 
you. — Joshua vii. 13. Having escaped the cor- 
ruption that is in the world through lust. — 2 Pet. 
i. 4. See also 2 Pet. ii. 18-22. 
The entertaining of any worldly lust, and indul- 
gence of any known willful sin, is an accursed 
thing, by which we are deprived of the power of 
God, and cannot stand before our enemies. Be- 
hold, therefore, the severity of God (Josh. vii. 
21-26), and be more earnest. Make all haste to 
flee from the lust of the world, especially from the 
lust of the eye, which is the love of money. What 
more needful than to break off even the most 
subtle and specious bands of unrighteousness ! 
Unless the splinters of the unjust Mammon be taken 
out, the wound cannot heal up. Nay, examine 
thyself closely in other things, and whatever sinful 
lust harbors in thy breast, be faithful to put it off, 
and flee from it, else you must not wonder at your 
being so weak in spirit. He that does not resist the 
sinful motions of his heart, will very easily give a 
loose to his hands and tongue ; but he that imme- 
diately subdues the inward corruptions, will cer- 
tainly be preserved from their breaking out in any 
sinful actions. O Lord, deliver me from all accursed 
things, and keep my heart always under thy closest 
inspection and discipline ; let it not seek after the 
things of sin and the flesh, which thou hast called 
accursed ; but be thou my joy and my portion. 
Amen. 

Why should my passions mix with earth, 
And thus debase my heavenly birth ? 
Why should I cleave to things below, 
And let my God, my Saviour, go? 



353 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 16. 
I abhor myself \ and repent in dust and ashes.— ]oh 
xlii. 6. / am meek and lowly in heart. — Matt, 
xi. 29. Behold, thy King cometh unto thee : He 
is just and lowly. — Zech. ix. 9. 

My dear reader, reflect a moment who it was that 
made this confession, and consider the many excel- 
lencies that he had (See Job xxxi). Doubtless you 
will be ready to ask, Why this self-abhorrence ? 
What did this man want ? Let me give the answer 
for you : Before his eyes were opened he wanted 
humility, or the knowledge of his own vileness, the 
very thing that you need if not deeply humbled, 
and the want of which makes every man vile in the 
eyes of God. Elihu charges Job with an undue 
opinion of his own righteousness ; and God, who, 
by stroke upon stroke, and not one too much, had 
brought him to the dunghill, is represented as carry- 
ing on the same accusation against him. The 
whole issues in Job's humiliation, and conveys a 
most important lesson of instruction to all mankind, 
never to stand upon their vindication with God. 
The book, in this view of it, is preparatory to the 
Gospel, and a striking comment upon those words 
of St. Paul and the Psalmist, "All have sinned, 
and come short of the glory of God. In thy sight 
shall no man living be justified. " " God be merci- 
ful to me a sinner,' ' is a prayer easy to be said, but 
hard to be felt. One eye upon the perfection of 
God's laws, and another upon your own heart, may 
bring you up to it. But the Spirit's light is also 
needful, for which you must pray earnestly. 

A sinner vile I am, O Lord, 

A sinner day by day ; 
Much cause I have to loathe myself, 

And for thy mercy pray. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 339 

November 17. 

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy 
to take the book, and to open the seals thereof ; 
for thou wast slain, and hath redeemed us to God 
by thy blood. — Rev. v. 9. 

In heaven the saints have a full sense of their 
great deliverance, together with a perfect knowl- 
edge of sin, far beyond anything we now conceive 
of it ; and the glory of redeeming grace will be the 
eternal ground of their love and adoration. On 
earth, it is the great exercise and difficult work of 
faith, to see sin and Christ at the same time, or be 
penetrated with a lively sense of our desert, and. 
absolute freedom from condemnation. But the 
more we know of both, the nearer approach we 
make to heaven ; and we are our own greatest 
enemies if, together with the fullest comprehension 
of sin, and the deepest humiliation for it, we do not 
look steadfastly unto Jesus, and see it taken away 
by the Lamb of God. This, though continually 
repeated by the heavenly choir, is called their New 
Song ; because it is always matter of as great joy to 
them, as if they had never sung it before ; and 
because the love of God and of Christ in their 
redemption, is always opening upon them with new 
and increasing wonders. O my soul, let nothing, 
let not thy sin hinder thee from beginning it now ! 

Saints cannot do less 
Than Jesus to bless ; 
His name they rely on, 
His Godhead confess. 

My soul, bear a part, 
If ransom'd thou art, 
By Jesus' blood-shedding, 
His burial and smart. 

To Him that was slain, 
The scorn' d Nazarene, 
Be glory and honor, 
Let all say, Amen. 



34o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 18. 

Follow me. — Luke v. 27. And endure hardness, as 
a good soldier of Jesus Christ. — 2 Tim. ii. 3. 
Would you follow Christ ? Then follow Him in 
self-denial, in humility, in patience, and in readi- 
ness for every good work. Follow Him with a 
daily cross upon your back, and look to His cross 
to make your burden light. Follow Him as your 
guide and guard, and learn to see with His eyes, 
and to trust in His arm for defence. Follow Him 
as the Friend of sinners, who healeth the broken 
in heart, and giveth rest to weary souls, and casteth 
out none that come unto Him. Follow Him with 
faith, resting your whole acceptance with God and 
your title to heaven on His meritorious blood and 
righteousness. Lastly, follow Him with much 
prayer ; for though He is full of compassion, He 
loves to be much entreated ; and when He is deter- 
mined to give a blessing, you must yet wrestle with 
Him for it. Thus follow Jesus, and He will lead 
you to glory. 

Jesus, I my cross have taken, 

All to love and follow thee ; 
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, 

Thou from hence my all shalt be. 

Perish, every fond ambition, 
All I've sought, or hoped, or known, 

Yet how rich is my condition, 
God and heaven are still my own ! 

I^et the world despise and leave me ; 

They have left my Saviour too ; 
Human hearts and looks deceive me ; 

Thou art not like them— untrue. 

Go then earthly fame and treasure, 
Come disasters, scorn, and pain ; 

In thy service pain is pleasure, 
With thy favor loss is gain. 

I have called thee, Abba, Father, 

I have set my heart on thee ; 
Storms may howl and clouds may gather, 

All must work for good to me. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 341 

November 19. 
The Lord is not far from every one of us ; for in 
Him we live, and move, and have our being. — 
Acts xvii. 27, 28. Even the very hairs of your 
head are all numbered.— -Luke xii. 7. 

Oh ! the close and tender love of the Lord over 
His people ! Nothing is so mean but it is under 
the providence of God, since even the least things 
can either hurt or profit the soul. And how sweet 
is it to observe His footsteps even in the minutest 
things, and to be satisfied that we may trust our 
greater and lesser concerns to His care ! O Lord, 
grant that I may never swerve from, nor do an}^- 
thing without thee, but that my goings in and 
goings out may be always done in thy presence, as 
if I had to do with none but thee ; nay, as if we 
both lived together in the world. Oh ! that I could 
transact all my affairs with thee alone, and in all 
places look upon thee as if thou wast only a God 
for me. Let me carefully mark the inward work- 
ings of thy grace, and the outward tokens of thy 
providence, so as daily to have a true sense of thy 
gracious presence in everything, more or less impor- 
tant ; and thereby to be ever strengthened in faith, 
and kept in a composed state of mind ; considering 
that nothing happens by mere chance, but all is 
wisely ordered by thy providential care to our 
good ; firmly believing, if anything goes contrary 
to expectation, that something better will follow 
in its stead if we only can be quiet, and wait the 
time. 

God, that must stoop to view the skies, 

And bow to see what angels do, 
Down to our earth He casts His eyes, 

And bends His footsteps downward too. 

He overrules all mortal things, 

And manages our mean affairs ; 
On humble souls the King of kings 

Bestows His counsels and His cares. 



342 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 20. 
Cleave to that which is good. — Rom. xii. 9. Seek 
those things which are above. — Col. iii. 1. But 
lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where 
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where 
thieves do not break through nor steal : for where 
your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — 
Matt. vi. 20, 21. 

The manners of such things or persons as we 
frequently converse with cleave very easily to us. 
If we converse much with God and heavenly things, 
we shall be heavenly-minded ; but if we deal much 
with the world and temporal things, we must be 
sensual and worldly-minded. Up, therefore, with 
thy heart to God : lift it hourly up to Him ; and 
though it sinks down often to the earth again, yet 
the Lord has patience, and will as often receive it 
again. Therefore raise it up continually, and take 
great care to keep it above, that it may not sink 
down and be defiled with worldly things again. 
Thus it will be easy to abide in a spiritual frame ; 
but without this care we cannot abide in it at all : a 
feather easily rises higher and higher when kept 
above ground, but moves very heavy upward when 
once fallen into the dirt. This you may take as a 
lively figure of an easy and heavy method in the 
practice of religion. Choose now which you please. 
Oh ! that I may always choose the best, seeking 
the things which are above, and never plunge into 
the world to defile and distress my soul ! 

Descend from heaven, immortal dove, 
Stoop down and take us on thy wings, 

And mount and bear us far above 
The reach of these inferior things. 

Beyond, beyond this lower sky, 

Up where eternal ages roll. 
Where solid pleasures never die, 

And fruits immortal feast the soul. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 343 

November 21. 

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, 
according to thy word : for mine eyes have seen 
thy salvation.— Ltuke ii. 29, 30. Say to them 
that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not ; 
behold, your God will come with vengeance, even 
God with a recompe7ise : He will come and save 
you. — Isa. xxxv. 4. 

WiUvFUi, unbelief only is damnable, and not the 
weak faith of a fearful and tempted believer. If 
I do not reject the ransom of Christ, my surety, 
but feel my utter need of it, and am heartily desir- 
ous to accept it by faith, God can no more reject 
me than He can reject my surety, or His own 
eternal decree. Yet, since I have very weak faith, 
and am often ready to sink into despair, it passeth 
my understanding to conceive how I can depart 
this life in peace. But as thy peace is said to pass 
all understanding (Phil. iv. 7), it is sufficient to 
keep the weakest and most fearful soul ; because it 
is not by any power of our own, but solely by thy 
Divine power, that "we shall be kept through faith 
unto salvation. ' ' And it is equally the same to thee 
to carry the weakest or the strongest through the 
gates of death ; for since thou art always the same 
wise, gracious, and mighty God, in all circum- 
stances, and must do the work alone for both, I 
trust thou wilt lend me also, a poor weak creature, 
thine all-sufficient help in that time of need ! 

Saints by the power of God are kept 
Till the salvation come ; 
• We walk by faith as strangers here, 

Till Christ shall call us home. 

Eord, at thy temple we appear, 

As happy Simeon came, 
And hope to m :et our Saviour here ; 

Oh ! make our joys the same ! 



344 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 22. 

Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom 
hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy 
riches. — Ps. civ. 24. Whoso is wise, and will 
observe these thi?igs, even they shall understand 
the loving -kindness of the Lord. — Ps. cvii. 43. 
Many shall be purified, and made white, and 
tried. — Dan. xii. 10. The ways of the Lord are 
right, and the just shall walk in them. — Hosea 
xiv. 9. 

O Lord, how many are thine unknown mercies ! 

1 am surrounded with them on all sides, yet how 
little do I observe them and acknowledge them to 
thy praise ! If thou hast punished even the heathen 
for not having minded and glorified thee in thy 
works, what will become of me? Pardon, O Lord, 
this my blindness and ingratitude, and to all thy 
other kindness add a thankful heart, that I may 
joyfully praise thee for the blessing of my creation, 
the daily bounty of thy providence, and the ador- 
able gift of thy Son. In all thy creatures may I see 
and adore thine infinite power, wisdom, and good- 
ness, and be thereby continually strengthened in 
faith, and stirred up to thy praise and love. Thus 
let me always converse with thee, cleave to thee, 
and have uninterrupted communion with thee, that 
nothing may interfere and disturb this religious 
disposition of my soul in the least. Yes, O Lord, 
grant me this wisdom and close attention for thy 
glory's sake. Amen. 

The glories of my Maker, God, % 

My joyful voice shall sing. 
And call the nations to adore 

Their Former and their King. 

The brightness of our Maker's name 

The wide creation fills ; 
And His unbounded grandeur flies 

Beyond the heavenly hills. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 345 

November 23. 
The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. — Judges vii. 
20. For they are bread for us : their defence is 
departed from them, and the Lord is with us : 
fear them not. —Numb. xiv. 9. But my servant 
Caleb, because he had a7iother spirit with him, 
and has followed me fully, him will L bring into 
the land whereujito he went. — Verse 24. Surely 
the wrath of man shall praise thee. — Ps. lxxvi. 10. 

Take care, O my soul, that there may also be 
another, — namely, a kingly spirit with thee, as 
there was with Joshua and Caleb, not to be dis- 
couraged on account of thy weakness, and great 
number of frailties and enemies, as if it were impos- 
sible to live holily and get the victory. Behold 
Christ, the true and great Joshua and Caleb, 
marchesout before thee, to make war Himself 
against thine enemies, and who can conquer Him ? 
He is unchangeable, His spirit now is as mighty as 
ever, and His word as powerful and sharper than a 
two-edged sword. Against thy various infirmities 
He offers also a variety of Divine strength ; and 
against each of thine enemies He holds forth to 
thee a particular sword in His word, and abiding in 
His word thou shalt surely conquer. Though the 
enemy should raise thine inward and outward 
calamities to the highest degree, as so many strong 
walls, yet he must fall ; one single word will strike 
him down. 

Ivet troubles rise, and terrors frown, 

And days of darkness fall, 
Through Him all dangers we'll defy, 

And more than conquer all. 

Nor death nor life, nor earth nor hell, 

Nor time's destroying swa3 r , 
Can e'er efface us from His heart, 

Or make His love decay. 



346 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 24. 

Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted, that are far 
from righteousness ; I bring near my righteous- 
ness, it shall not be far off ; and my salvation 
shall not tarry. We are all as a?i unclean thing, 
and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. — 
Isa. xlvi. 12, 13 ; and lxiv. 6. 

True religion is founded upon the knowledge of 
the true God. Sinners are apt to think they have 
a high opinion of God, because they think "highly 
of His mercy ; whereas God is as holy and just as 
He is merciful ; and He will as certainly punish 
the guilty, as He will pardon the penitent and 
believing soul. " God, I thank thee I am not as 
other men are," says every self-righteous sinner; 
not considering that if God were extreme to mark 
what is amiss, no flesh living could be justified. 
" God be merciful to me, a sinner," says every true 
Christian and real believer. Till this be thy lan- 
guage, O my soul ; till thou feelest thyself a lost, 
ruined and helpless sinner ; till thou art brought to 
acknowledge the justice of God in thy condemna- 
tion ; till thou art driven to Christ as thy only 
refuge and hope of salvation, thou art " ignorant of 
God's righteousness, art going about to establish 
thine own righteousness, and thou dost not submit 
to the righteousness of Christ. ' ' 

I am, saith Christ, the Way ; 

Now, if we credit Him, 
All other paths must lead astra\ T , 

How fair soe'er they seem. 

I am, saith Christ, the Truth ; 

Then, all that lack this test, 
Proceed it from an angel's mouth, 

Is but a lie at best. 

I am, saith Christ, the Life : 

Let this be seen by faith ; 
It follows without further strife, 

That all beside is death. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 347 

November 25. 

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier 
of Jesus Christ. — 2 Tim. ii. 3. This charge I com- 
mit unto thee, son Timothy, accordi?ig to the pro- 
phecies which went before on thee, that thou by 
them mightest war a good warfare. — 1 Tim. i. 18. 
Watch thou, endure afflictioyis. — 2 Tim. iv. 5. 

Princes combat with flesh and blood, Christians 
wrestle with principalities and powers. Their wars 
give days of trnce, ours not a minute's rest. Con- 
ditions of peace there may cause retreat ; nothing 
but death here can raise the siege. Kings, if over- 
come, may save themselves by flight ; but Chris- 
tians may as soon fly from themselves as from their 
enemies. The soldier of Christ is in a field of con- 
tinued conflict ; he cannot let fall his hands but 
Amalek prevails. Not to be a conqueror, is to be a 
prisoner : not to win the field, is to lose the soul ; 
security wounds thee, yielding kills thee, but vic- 
tory crowns thee. Therefore watch as for thy life ; 
fight as for thy soul ; the time will come when 
"these enemies thou seest to-day thou shalt see 
them no more for ever!" Then thou shalt lay 
down thy sword and take up thy crown, and sing, 
"Victory, victory," for ever, through the blood of 
the Lamb ! Let, then, the prospect of heavenly 
glory fire thee. Though thine enemies be power- 
ful, yet remember to go forth against them in the 
strength of the Captain of thy salvation ; though 
assaults be many and my enemies mighty, if God 
strengthen me, I have enough to comfort me ; for 
the greater my enemy, the more glorious my vic- 
tory ; and the more glorious my victory, the more 
triumphant my glory. 

Lord, let me spare no inbred foes, 

But fight them well by faith ; 
Be daily r dealing mortal blows. 

And triumph at my death. 



348 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 26. 
/ will heal your backsliding x— Jer. iii. 22. He 
will heal us ; He will bind us up. — Hosea vi. 1. 
It is God who worketh in you, both to will and to 
do of His good pleasure. — Phil. ii. 13. 

O my dear Saviour, I would fain believe in thee, 
be faithful, obedient, and work always that which 
is good. And since this is also thy will, I trust it 
shall be done ; for if thou wilt and I will, who can 
hinder it ? True it is, that sin, flesh, the world, and 
devils, are against it ; but shall these enemies be 
stronger than thou, the mighty God? Shall their 
opposition be able to quell thy work in me, if I do 
not consent to it ? That can never be. The more 
violence they use upon me, the more earnest may I 
be with thee in prayer ; and the more I pray, the 
more glorious will thine assistance be ; the more 
they hinder, the more thou wilt further, that all 
their hindrances may be swallowed up by thy 
furtherances, as the serpents of the sorcerers in 
Egypt were swallowed up by the serpent of Moses. 
The enemy will fall by his own sword ; and the 
greatest opposition »will turn to my good, and to the 
promoting of thy work. Everything, indeed, can 
overcome me if I do not abide in Christ by a con- 
tinual acting of faith and prayer ; but by thus 
abiding in Him, all opposition proves not only 
weak itself, but profitable to my soul. 

We honor our exalted King ! 

How sweet are His commands ! 
He guards our souls from hell and sin 

By His almighty hands. 

Fearless of hell and ghastry death, 

We'll break through ev'ry foe ; 
The wings of love and arms of faith 

Shall bear us conquerors through. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 349 

November 27. 
I am like a gree?i fir-tree ; from me is thy fruit 
found. — Hosea xiv. 8. / will rebuke the devour er 
for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits 
of your gound. — Mai. iii. 11. In that day sing 
ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. He shall 
cause them that come of fa cob to take root ; Israel 
shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the 
world with fruit. — Isa. xxvii. 2, 6. 

Is it not a disagreeable thing for a gardener to 
see the finest blossoms and fruits destroyed by the 
caterpillars? Doth it not rejoice him to see all the 
branches bow with ripe fruits ? Oh ! my heavenly 
Lord, grant that I may not displease, but rejoice 
thy heart also. Let me abide in Christ my true 
vine, and always bring forth good fruits. But since 
every fruit has its enemies, and thou hast no sooner 
worked anything, than the insects of sin endeavor 
to destroy it, I beseech thee to make me watchful 
of these insects, and diligent in every good work. 
Rebuke the devourer presently, and preserve me as 
a branch of Christ, night and day, as thou hast 
promised, that my fruits may endure to eternity. 
Doth a diligent gardener dress and cultivate his 
garden as well as he can, — why shouldst not thou 
cultivate my heart also, since thou art honored by 
my fruits ! Oh ! yes ; I trust the crystal stream of 
thy throne will water me, that I may bring forth 
greater plenty of fruit. 

Like trees of tnyrrh and spice we stand 
Planted by God" the Father's hand ; 
And all His springs in Zion flow, 
To make the young plantation grow. 

Let my Beloved come and taste 
His pleasant fruits at His own feast. 
11 1 come, my spouse, I come." He cries, 
With love and pleasure in His eyes. 



35o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 28. 
/ will do zV.— John xiv. 14. And what is that? 
Whatsoever thon desirest. For the Lord will 
fulfill the desire of I hem that fear Him. — Ps. 
cxlv. 19. 

Yea, He does " exceeding abundantly above all 
that we ask or think ;" granting not only according 
to the notion of our narrow hearts, but according to 
the riches of His glory, as becomes His majesty. 
Christ delights in great petitions ; for He is a great 
Lord, and is rich unto all that call upon Him. He 
has all the riches of His merits and gifts, not for 
himself (since being the very God, He wanted 
nothing for himself), but only for us, even the 
rebellious, who sincerely call upon Him. There- 
fore what He has as Mediator, all belongs to me, if 
I do but call upon Him faithfully. O my soul, 
pray to Him ; nay, be much in prayer ; and as 
often as thou pourest out thy soul before Him in 
prayer, let nothing resound in thy heart but these 
words : " I will ; I will do it." As God can never 
lie, there is not one single groan lost ; but every 
one will be found to be a jewel in the life to come : 
by which thy riches are increased, and one treasure 
put to another. Oh ! how much is there neglected 
in this already ! why shouldst thou not be earnest 
now to redeem that little remaining part of thy 
time, by prayer for eternity, to lay up there many 
treasures, and richly adorn thy crown ? O Lord, 
grant that this may be done ! 

Now is the time, He lends His ear, 

And waits for your request ; 
Come, lest He rouse His wrath, and swear 

"Ye shall not see my rest !" 

Come, then, O house of Jacob ! come 

To worship at His shrine ; 
And, walking in the light of God, 

With holy beauties shine. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 351 

November 29. 
Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he 
stretched out the spear, until he had utterly 
destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. — Joshua viii. 
26. For this purpose the Son of God was mani- 
fested, that He might destroy the works of the 
devil. — 1 John iii. 8. 

A willing subjection to any one sin is not con- 
sistent with the grace of God, and true saving faith 
(Rom. iv. 14); for though wicked inhabitants will 
abide in the heart, and sometimes prevail over the 
believer, they must not reign there, nor should be 
suffered to stir without resistance ; since we may be 
utterly ruined by the dominion of a single sin, — 
that is, by a single subjection to it, as by the 
dominion of a thousand, just as a bird is caught in 
one single snare ; and though you are actually con- 
verted, and have gained the dominion over your 
sins, yet you must not draw back your hand, and 
lay the spear and the sword of the Spirit aside. 
There is no truce in this war, nor any rest found but 
in fighting ; for if you beat not ycur enemies, they 
beat you. Therefore the Christian soldier's watch- 
word is, Fight on, looking to Jesus. Satan left 
Christ only for a time ; much more will he renew 
his assaults upon us again and again. But if the 
conflict lasteth long, remember that is also the case 
of others ; and even the ancient fathers have gone 
under it till they were gray ; at last the victory will 
be the more sweet and glorious. Only, above all 
things, take the shield of faith ; for faith alone 
triumphs : by which we are in covenant with Christ, 
and He makes one cause with us. 

'Tis faith that conquers earth and hell 

By a celestial power ; 
That is the grace that shall prevail 

In the decisive hour. 



352 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

November 30. 
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, 
and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and 
eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money \ 
and without price. — Isa. lv. 1. Come, for all 
things are now ready. — Luke xiv. 17. Him (be 
it who it will) that cometh to vie I will in no 
wise cast out.— John vi. 37. 

How could a tender mother's heart cast out her 
sick child, calling for help ! Come, my poor soul, 
come only as well as thou canst. Better to come 
in a cold, fearful, miserable condition, than not at 
all ; for if we cannot come boldly to Christ with a 
strong faith, we must even come trembling, just as 
we are ; nor will such coming be offensive to Christ; 
for He says, " Him that cometh," come how he 
will, " I will in no wise cast out." A feeling of joy 
is not needful to bring us to Christ, but a feeling of 
our wants ; for it is not required to bring any 
money of our own worthiness, but only the whole 
heap of our misery along with us, and desire grace. 
God does not look upon the sensible joy of faith 
(for this is His particular gift, which He could soon 
give if need was), but upon the sincerity, applica- 
tion, and earnestness of a poor sinner. John 
Bunyan fitly compares such a one to a man who 
would fain ride a full gallop, whose horse is hardly 
able to go a good trot. In this instance, the inten- 
tion of the rider is not to be judged by the slow 
pace of his horse (which resembles our corrupt and 
unwilling nature), but by his whippings, spurrings, 
and beatings of the beast. 

See, dearest I^ord, our willing souls 

Accept thine offered grace ; 
We bless the great Redeemer's love 

And give the Father praise. 



Jesus said : Whosoever drinketh of this water 
shall thirst again : but whosoever drinketh of 
the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; 
but the water that I shall give him shall be in 
him a well of water springing up into everlast- 
ing life. — John iv. 13, 14. 



In the last day, that great day of the Feast, 
Jesus stood and cried, saying : If any man 
thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. — 
John vii. 3.7. 

So is the will of God, that with well-doing 
ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish 
men. — 1 Peter ii. 15. 



Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for 
railing; but contrariwise, blessing: knowing 
that ye are thereunto called, that ye should in- 
herit a blessing. — 1 Peter iii. 9. 



(353) 



354 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December i. 
Be not overcome of evil ) but overcome evil with good. 
— Rom. xii. 21. For who is he that will harm 
you, if ye be followers of that which is good ? — 
1 Peter iii. 13. All things work together for 
good to them that love God. — Rom. viii. 28. 

The Christian life is a warfare, and the conflict 
between sin and holiness, and between sorrow and 
comfort, is often vers' violent. The child of God 
has many evils to encounter with. Sin, Satan, self, 
and the world, are daily enemies. He is also ex- 
posed oft to poverty, affliction, reproaches, and 
persecution. Oh ! my Saviour, help me to over- 
come all evil in the strength of thy grace ; give me 
a heart to do good to all who ma}- seek to hurt me. 
Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of 
that which is good ? Not "the Father, for He loves 
you ; not Jesus, for He died for you ; not the Spirit, 
His work is to comfort you ; not good men, they 
love those who follow that which is good ; not 
wicked men nor devils, for though enemies, they 
are confined, and cannot stir one step beyond what 
thy God and Saviour permits them. When you 
meet with a trial, look not to men, but to Jesus. 
Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a bless- 
ing upon it. Then all things shall work together 
for thy good (Rom. viii. 28). Let every temptation 
make you more careful, and put you on closer 
watching against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by 
faith and prayer, like a child to its parent, when it 
sees an enemy coming toward it. Behold Him, 
flee to Him, rest upon Him, and then you will 
rejoice in Him. 

How glorious, I^ord, thy wisdom shines, 
And baffles Satan's deep designs ! 
Thy power is sov' reign to fulfill 
The noblest counsels of thv will. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 355 

December 2. 

Prayer shall be made for Him continually ; and 
daily shall He be praised. — Ps. lxxii. 15. Thy 
kingdom come. — Matt. vi. 10. Pour out ycur 
heart before Him. — Ps. lxii. 8. 

Oh ! what a condescending King we have, who 
may always be approached ! Who would not pray ? 
You say, Oh ! that my coldness and indifference 
would permit me to do it. But are you not sensible 
of your wants and miseries ? Is not this coldness 
and backwardness misery enough ? Therefore you 
ought also to pray, and to pray most when you are 
so dull and drowsy, else it will never be better with 
you. Arise, therefore, and pray ; the good Spirit 
of God will assist you in it. " Encouraged by the 
promises of a prayer-hearing God, and a special 
assistance of the Holy Spirit in this work, we must, 
even in the greatest conflicts, not omit to resist the 
temptations of the devil. And though we have 
sinned, not defer it long ; but pray directly, and 
say, The Lord is merciful, and I am unworthy and 
unable to pray ! But, alas ! what shall I do ? Shall 
I wait till I am worthy and able ? Oh ! no ; per- 
haps that time will never come ; for I am always a 
great, miserable sinner. A Christian stands always 
in need of prayer ; for since the sense of sin does 
not leave him, he must not leave off prayer. ' ' Lord, 
grant me more of the spirit of prayer, and let it 
never be extinguished in my heart ! 

Arise, my soul, from deep distress, 

And banish every fear ; 
God calls thee to His throne of grace, 

To spread thy sorrows there. 

Go then, my soul, and talk with God, 

By Christ who'd thee redeem ; 
In mercy oft He lifts the rod, 

To bring thee back to Him. 



356 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 3. 

What doest thou here, Elijah ? — 1 Kings xix. 13. 

LET[this question be supposed as addressed to us : 
What dost thou here in this world? Art thou 
"working the work of Him that sent thee," or 
standing all the day idle ? Art thou in the post 
assigned thee by Heaven, truly called, and properly 
qualified for it, and faithfully discharging the duties 
of it ? or hast thou thrust thyself into it without 
warrant or invitation ; and therefore hast no cause 
to expect success ? What dost thou here in this 
retirement ? Is the world shut out of thy thoughts, 
and are the visits of the blessed Spirit invited ! 
What dost thou here, if thy peace with an offended 
God is not already made, or most earnestly desired 
and sought after? If thou really wantest peace 
and safety, plead the blood of Jesus, flee to the city 
of refuge. W T hat dost thou here in times of trial 
and temptation ? Art thou flying from the danger, 
or boldly facing it in the name and strength of the 
Lord ? Art thou ashamed of the cross, or dost thou 
willingly take it upon thee ? Elijah failed here ; he 
fled from Jezebel. And did such an one as Elijah 
fear ? Then howl, ye fir-trees, if the cedars be thus 
shaken ! hold fast by Christ, ye weak ones, if the 
strong fall ! What dost thou here below? Art 
thou not pitching thy tent on this side Jordan, satis- 
fied with thy present portion ? or art thou ' ' look- 
ing to a better country, to a city that hath founda- 
tions, whose builder and maker is God?" Life is 
uncertain, death approaches, the Judge is at the 
door, then " prepare to meet thy God." 

Arm me with a jealous care, 

As in thy sight to live ; 
And thy weak servant, Lord, prepare 

A good account to give ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 357 

December 4. 
Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord ; for He shall 
pluck my feet out of the net. — Ps. xxv. 15. Happy 
is the man that feareth alway, — Prov. xxviii. 14. 

Oh ! how long can some enemies hide themselves 
with their nets before our eyes, and draw in all on 
a sudden ! It is unspeakable how cunning and 
powerful our enemies are, — how they lie in wait 
everywhere, so that in all places, and at all times, 
we are surrounded with many cruel murderers of 
souls ! Blessed is he that keeps clear from self- 
confidence, and, fearing always, says within him- 
self, as soon as he awakes in the morning, Who 
knows what temptations I may meet with to-day ? 
Perhaps when I arise, by the first step my feet may 
be entangled in dangerous snares and nets. And 
as self-confidence ever will be ashamed, and a firm 
confidence in the Lord never shall (Rom. ix. 33), 
grant, O Lord, I beseech thee, that, distrusting 
myself, I may fully put my trust in thee, watching 
evermore in all things, and looking cautiously in 
all places about me, where there is any fear of 
danger. Whatever I am about to do or to speak, 
let me first converse with thee by prayer ; that 
keeping always close to thee, I may be preserved 
against the power and craft of mine enemies, as in 
a stronghold ; and confidently say, according to 
thy own pattern given (Ps. xvi. 8), "I have set the 
Lord before me : because He is at my right hand, 
I shall not be moved." 

God is my portion and my joy; 

His counsels are my light, 
He gives me sweet advice by day, 

And gentle hints by night. 

My soul would all her thoughts approve 

To His all-seeing eye ; 
Nor death nor hell my hope shall move, 

While such a friend' is nigh. 



358 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 5. 

My Father worketh hitherto > a?id I work, fas also 
the Hoh' Spirit). For as the Father raiseth tip 
the dead, and quickeneth them ; even so the Son 
quickeneth whom He will. — John v. 17, 21. See 
also John ix. 4, and xiv. 10. 

O MY poor soul ! is not the blessed Trinity thy 
God, in three Persons, able to destroy the works 
of the devil, and fulfill His good-will in thee? 
Oh ! yes, He works both to will and to do ; and 
that very thing which is above your own power, 
He works, and nothing else. If you can do little, 
He works much ; if nothing at all, so much the 
better, then He works all ; for He is our all, since 
we are nothing, and can do nothing. And happy 
are we that we can have Him for our support in all 
things ; and that the children of God are not re- 
quired to direct their own steps, but shall be led by 
their heavenly Father. Now, O Losd, since by 
the will, guidings, and workings of my own heart, 
I throw only so many hindrances and blocks in 
my way, grant, I beseech thee, that, in true depen- 
dence on thee, I may venture everything ; and, 
despairing of my own sufficiency, may always abide 
in thee, draw all necessary strength from thee by 
prayer, and bring forth many good fruits which 
may last to eternity ! For thy work in true be- 
lievers, weak as it ma}* seem now, will last for ever, 
and none shall be able to destroy it. 

Ivord, let thy counsels guide my feet 

Through this dark wilderness ; 
Thy hand conduct me near thy seat, 

To dwell before th}- face ! 

Then, if the springs of life were broke, 
And flesh and heart should faint, 

God is my soul's eternal rock, 
The strensrth of everv saint. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 359 

December 6. 

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to ;. vu. 
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. — 
James iv. 7, 8. The effectual ferveyit prayer of 
a righteous man availeth much. — Chap. v. 16. 

O my dear soul ! draw nigh to God in prayer, and 
He will draw nigh to thee ; be instant in it, and the 
devil cannot stand against thee ; for prayers will 
drive away sin and Satan, as the wind drives the 
smoke before it ; prayer works wonderful great 
things, and will make possible what seemeth im- 
possible. If God has given thee some spiritual 
blessings already, this is an encouragement to hope 
also for that which thou lackest yet ; therefore only 
pray confidently, and you shall receive evermore ; 
for unbelief is the only reason that God cannot 
work wonders for us. Pour out upon my soul, thou 
living and wonder-working God. the spirit of 
prayer ; let me pray and strive, pray in faith, and 
pour out my whole heart before thee (Ps. lxii. 8). 
Let me strive in faith that the Lord may impart the 
blessing and draw nigh to me ; for without thee to 
be with me, all my prayers and all my strivings are 
in vain. 

My God, I bow before thy feet ; 
When shall my soul get near thy seat? 
When shall I s'ee thy glorious face, 
With mingled majesty and grace? 

How should I love thee and adore, 
With hopes and joys unknown before ! 
And bid this trifling world begone ; 
Nor tease my heart so near thy throne. 

Creatures with all their charms should fly 
The presence of a God so nigh ; 
My darling sins should lose their name, 
And grow my hatred and my shame. 

My soul should pour out all her cares, 
In flowing words, or flowing tears ; 
Thy smiles should ease my sharpest pain, 
Nor shall I seek my God in vain. 



360 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

Decembkr 7. 
/ am crucified with Christ : nevertheless I live ; 
yet not /, but Christ liveth in me : and the life 
which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith 
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Him- 
self for me. — Gal. ii. 20. 

In spiritual things we are too often living upon 
self. We seek in frames, forms, creatures, and 
animal life, that inward peace and stability of mind 
which is only to be found in the Redeemer. Out- 
ward duties are well in their place ; but they have 
no divine life in themselves, or to give. They are 
to be performed, but not trusted in ; to be used 
with grace, but cannot buy grace. They are as the 
scaffold of the building, — a means for carrying on 
the work, but not the end of the great design. In 
the power of Christ they are blessings ; without it 
they have no power. The whole trust must be in 
Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life : 
without Him prayers, praises, rites, and ordinances, 
are carcasses without a soul. Every performance of 
outward worship is so, unless the Saviour fills it 
with His Divine Spirit. Then it is we experience a 
communion of heart, a reviving of the soul after 
the adorable Jesus, and a delightful view behind 
the veil of outward ordinances (such as no carnal 
eye can behold), manifesting the Lord in His good- 
ness, beauty, grandeur, blessedness and glory. 

The faith and hope of things unseen 

My best affections move ; 
Thy light, thy favor, and thy smiles, 

Thine everlasting love. 

These are the blessings I desire ; 

Lord, be these blessings mine, 
And all the glories of the world 

I cheerfully resign. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 361 

December 8. 

Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I 

will give thee thy wages. — Exod. ii. 9. 

As Moses was ordered to be saved by the most 
cruel enemy's daughter, so Satan himself, even 
when he meditates our destruction, must be a 
means of our life. So also Matt. xii. 48, Who is 
my mother? etc. (Isa. viii. 10, and ix. 6). O Lord 
Jesus, if thou art a child born unto me, and I am 
willing to receive thee as my Immanuel, thou wilt 
be my shield and exceeding great reward, and de- 
fend me powerfully against all my enemies. O my 
dear Saviour, if thou art mine, all is mine, even 
thy Father, thy Spirit, and thy heavenly glory, — 
all accidents, all enemies must work for my good, 
and be instruments and ministers of my salvation. 
Oh ! that I may, trusting in thee, never fear any- 
thing ; but thinking directly it is mine, may only 
make good use of everything. Thus even the very 
worst would turn to my greatest blessing ; and with- 
out it perhaps I should want as needful a thing as a 
mill or a ship does when destitute of wind and 
water. 

My soul, survey thy happiness, 
If thou art found a child of grace ; 
How richly is the Gospel stored ! 
What joy the promises afford ! 

All things are now the gift of God, 
And purchased with our Saviour's blood, 
While the good Spirit shews us how 
To use and to enjoy them too. 

If peace and plenty crown my days, 
Then help me, I,ord, to speak thy praise ; 
If bread of sorrows be my food, 
Those sorrows work my real good. 

Whatever fills my temporal cup, 
Make me with gratitude to sup, 
And trust the faithful promise given, 
That I shall dwell with thee in heaven. 



362 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 9. 
Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and 
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in 
your heart to the Lord. — Eph. v. 19. Teach- 
ing and admonishing one another in psalms and 
hymns. — Col. iii. 16. Paul and Silas prayed ', 
and sang praises unto God. — Acts xvi. 25. 

IF we are obliged to promote the temporal good 
of our neighbor, how much more the spiritual, by 
edifying discourses ! But how is it ? The children 
of God, when a person visits them, (says a certain 
divine), are sometimes troubled, and know not 
what discourse to enter upon : at last they begin 
an unprofitable discourse, or at least they suffer 
others to do it, and are silent at it. I will tell you 
what I have done in such cases : I first prayed to 
God, saying, " O good God, here I receive a guest, 
and have nothing to set before and treat him with ; 
I pray thee to give me the right bread for him ;" 
which the Lord was pleased to hear in such a 
gracious manner, that I could sooner enter into an 
edifying discourse. And thus keep our conscience 
clean ; and though perhaps the lips were frozen up 
at first, they are thawed and opened by prayer. 
Some foolish philosophers, to the great offence of 
others, mock at divine things, and even at prayer ; 
as if we needed no other help than our own depraved 
reason and will. But what St. Paul says (Rom. i. 
22) is fulfilled, in them: — "Professing themselves 
to be wise, they became fools. " What will become 
of these poor scoffers upon their dying beds, and at 
the day of judgment ? Oh ! that they would take 
warning while it is time. 

Now if some proper hour appear, 

I^et none be overawed ; 
But let the scoffing sinners hear 

That we can speak for God. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 363 

December 10. 
Tell his disciples, and Peter (who was deeply 
fallen) especially. — Mark xvi. 7. If any man 
sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus 
Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation 
for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for 
the sins of the whole world. — 1 John ii. 1, 2. 
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, 
and strengthen the feeble knees. — Heb. xii. 12. 

Hast thou been slack, unfaithful and fallen 
away ? Oh ! poor soul, thou art not to make light 
of it ; but why wilt thou continue in thy fallen con- 
dition any longer, and complain ? Get thee up and 
ask pardon of Christ ; He is ready to forgive and 
receive thee again, like Peter, "having received 
gifts for the rebellious." Delay not to lay hold of 
thy ransom, which is greater than all the sins of 
the world ; nay, the ransom is paid for this very 
sin, and a pardon purchased by it already. There- 
fore sue it out, and be not discouraged, nor listen 
to the temptation of giving up hope, and turning 
back to the world. The Lord even now reaches 
forth His hands to thee anew by this very word ; 
come, lift thyself up at it, and be careful for the 
time to come to be so much more cautious, humble 
and gentle toward others ; for a Christian's foot 
may trip ; but when recovered, it slides deeper into 
humility. 

Salvation ! oh ! the joyful sound, 

'Tis pleasure to mine ears ; 
A sov'reign balm for every wound, 

A cordial for my fears. 

Buried in sorrow and in sin, 

At hell's dark door I lay ; 
But I arise, by grace divine. 

To see a heavenly day. 



364 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December ii. 
Behold, we come unto thee, — Jer. iii. 22, — (and) 
/ will come to you. — John xiv. 18. A lively 
representation of this happy meeting, see Lnke 
xix. 4-6. — Zacchetis ran before and climbed up 
into a sycamore-tree to see Him : for He ivas 
to pass that way. And Christ said unto him, 
Make haste, and come down ; for to-day I must 
abide at thy house. 

O my dear Saviour, since I come to thee, and 
thou to me, we shall certainly meet one another. 
Who will oppose and obstruct it ? The devil and 
sin ? Oh ! no ; this wall of separation is pulled 
down. Christ says, " Come unto me ; I am not an 
angry judge, but a loving Mediator between God 
and thy frightened conscience : keep to me, and 
fear no wrath. I sit here, that, believing in me to 
make intercession for thee with God, no wrath or 
disgrace can befall thee. Should wrath and pun- 
ishment come upon thee, it must first come upon 
me : wrath is quite impossible." Yes, O my soul, 
it is indeed impossible ; for thy Jesus is the dear 
Son of God, in whom dwells all the fullness of 
grace ; and the Father, looking upon Him, His 
wrath must vanish away, and everything in heaven 
and earth be changed into smiles of love and grace 
(Eph. i. 6). Dangers and conflicts being hot, God 
hastens with His assistance. At other times He 
tarries, and the work of our whole renovation goes 
on by little and little, that, improving in the exer- 
cise of patience and faith, we may also bear with 
others, and learn not ontyto quicken our d-iligence, 
but also to wait for Him. 

In thine own ways, O God of love, 
We wait the visits of thy grace ; 

Our soul's desire is to thy name. 
And the remembrance'of tlry face. 



THK GOLDEN TREASURY. 365 

December 12. 
Mine iniquities are gone over my head ; as an 
heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. — Ps. 
xxxviii. 4. Come unto me, all ye that labor and 
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — 
Matt. xi. 28. 

IT is a sure sign that a man is awakened out of 
his sleep, when he discovers the error of his dream. 
In the drawing up of water out of a deep well, so 
long as the bucket is under water, we feel not the 
weight of it ; but as soon as it conies above water, 
it begins to hang heavy on the hand. When a man 
dives under water, he feels no weight of the water, 
though there may be many tons of it over his head; 
whereas a tub half full of the same water, taken 
out of the river, and set upon the same man's head, 
would be very burdensome to him, and make him 
soon grow weary of it. In like manner, so long as 
a man is over head in sin, he is not sensible of the 
weight of sin, it is not troublesome to him ; but 
when he begins once to come out of that state of 
sin wherein he lay and lived before, then beginneth 
sin to hang heavy upon him, and he groans under 
the weight thereof. So long as sin is in the will, 
the proper seat of sin, a man feels not the weight 
of it, but, like a fool, it is sport and pastime to him 
to do evil. It is therefore a good sign that sin is 
removed out of its seat, out of its chair of state, 
when it becomes burdensome to us ; and such a 
sense of sin may well be considered as an entrance 
into a state of grace. Give me, O Lord, a true 
sense of my sin, and an apprehension of the mercy 
of God in Christ, and ability to embrace Him as 
my Redeemer and Saviour. 

Give me, O Lord, the broken heart, 
Which mourns for sin with inward smart, 
And will to thy dear cross repair, 
And seek and find its healing there. 



366 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 13. 
Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal 
your backsliding s, — Jer. iii. 22. When he was 
yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had 
compassion, and ran, a?id fell on his neck, a7id 
kissed him. And said, Bring forth the best robe, 
and put it on him ; and put a ring 011 his hand, 
and shoes on his feet, etc. — Luke xv. 20-23. 

Hear, therefore, the voice of thy loving Father 
and Shepherd, O thou backsliding child and lost 
sheep, crying earnestly. Return, return ! Do not 
run on in the broad way with the world any longer. 
Are you not tired yet of the husks of the world ? 
Do you feel no troubles in your soul ? Shall not 
these drive thee to God ? Lo ! thy Father and 
Shepherd seeks thee. He is gone forth to call and 
meet thee already. He will receive thee willingly 
and joyfully. Come, only praying as the prodigal 
son, and He will freely forgive thee all, though thou 
hadst sinned ever so much. He is also able to heal 
and correct the most desperate corruptions of thy 
heart ; He can deliver thee from the very jaws of 
hell and the devil ; nay, if thou even wast possessed 
with more than seven devils, He can still cast them 
out. Begin to call upon Him earnestly in prayer, 
and, poor and wretched as thou art, come to Him 
as the physician of thy soul ; for the physician and 
the sick, a rich Saviour and a poor sinner, are the 
best suited to one another. He healeth all our 
diseases, and can make possible what seems most 
impossible to thee. 

Come, all ye vilest sinners, come, 

He'll form your souls anew ; 
His Gospel and His heart have room 

For rebels such as you. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 367 

December 14. 
Watch ye therefore, and pray always. — Luke xxi. 
36. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin 
which doth so easily beset us. — Heb. xii. 1. 
Watch, for ye know not what hour your Lord 
doth come. — Matt. xxiv. 42. Take ye heed, watch 
and pray. — Mark xiii. 43. 

The hearts of men are not like unto clocks, 
which only want to be wound up once a day ; oh ! 
no ; the dullness and distraction is too great and 
dangerous. We must lift them up many times 
a day ; yea, watch continually to lay aside every 
weight. Our going out and coming in, nay, all 
things, even the very least, we must do with prayer, 
always strictly examining what is the will of the 
Lord ; else, if they are done after our own will, 
they do not tend to the glory of God, and cannot be 
attended with His blessing. But if we earnestly 
strive against our own will in prayer, patiently 
suffering every hour what the Lord thinks proper 
to lay upon us, and will be ruled by His hints and 
slight strokes of His rod, many heavy afflictions, 
and scourges, and whips, may be avoided ; for the 
burdens which we bring upon ourselves by our own 
will and impatience, are always the heaviest. A 
Christian has daily his proper burden, like a clock 
its weights, by which the flesh is kept under, so 
that the spirit can rise up ; therefore, when anything 
comes cross, he looks upon it as his weight for the 
day, to stir him up to the exercise of prayer and 
meditation in the Word of God. O Lord, grant 
that I may always bear thy easy yoke, and never 
be the cause of my own distress and dullness ! 

Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints, 

And keep your courage up ; 
He'll raise your spirit when it faints, 

And far exceed your hope. 



368 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 15. 

Give an account of thy stewardship. — Luke xvi. 2. 
God shall bring every work into judgment , with 
every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether 
it be evil. — Eccl. xii. 14. For we must all appear 
before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one 
may receive the things done in his body, according 
to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 
— 2 Cor. v. 10. 

O Lord, how have I wasted my time, goods, and 
faculties ! O pardon me for thine infinite mercy's 
sake, blot out my debt by thy blood ; and grant, 
that henceforth, keeping a daily good account, and 
acting more prudently, faithfully, and diligently, 
my reckoning may not be false at last. But pre- 
serve me also from all needless cares, since the care 
to get something is not the steward's business, 
but only to husband everything faithfully. " Teach 
me, O Lord, and give me wisdom and grace to 
govern my house, and manage all my affairs rightly. 
Be thou the principal governor and father of my 
family. I would be nothing but thy servant ; direct 
me only in all things, that I may not suffer or do 
any harm." He that does not expostulate with 
God, but accuses himself as guilty in all things, 
even his best performances, and flies to Christ as 
his only refuge, will be justified of God through the 
righteousness of His dear Son. And being thus 
adopted of God, he is ready and willing to be gov- 
erned and directed by him in all things as a child. 

That awful day will surely come, 
Th' appointed hour makes haste, 

"When I must stand before my Judge, 
And pass the solemn test. 

Thou lovely chief of all my joys, 

Thou sov'reign of my heart ! 
How could I bear to hear thy voice 

Pronounce the sound, Depart ! 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 369 

December 16. 

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. — 

2. Cor. xiii. 5. 

Many might be induced to pray for faith if they 
did not presumptuously pretend to it ; for such as 
have actually faith, often doubt whether they have 
any or not ; and those that are without, imagine 
they have enough. But faith is only wrought in 
the souls of those who are deeply humbled by a 
thorough conviction of the greatness and heinous- 
ness of their sins, confessing themselves not only 
with their lips, but with a true sense of their hearts, 
to be the chief of sinners. Without this repentance 
we do not enter through the right gate, and our 
faith is only fancy ; for faith is the greatest and 
most difficult thing even to a child of God ; it 
receives Christ into the heart, and overcomes the 
devil, world, and all sins, which is not easily done. 
Therefore, if the generality of people had true faith, 
nothing were easier to believe ; for what can be 
easier than to give a mere assent to the Bible as 
true, which is all that Christians mean by faith in 
general. The wicked, therefore, who live in sin, 
deceive themselves in thinking they have faith ; 
for faith giveth victory over the world. And all 
who trust in their own works, deceive themselves 
too ; for the prayer of faith is, " God be merciful to 
me a sinner!" "Lord, save, or I perish ! M If, 
then, the first Christians had need to examine 
themselves, how much more have we ! Therefore, 
the best and safest way is, to pray earnestly for that 
faith which has boldness, and triumphs even in 
death. 

O Lord, thy power and grace display, 
Let guilt and death no longer reign, 

Save me in thine appointed way, 
Nor let my humble faith be vain. 



3?o THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 17. 
For thy name's sake, lead me, and guide me. Pull 
me out of the net that they have laid privily for 
me ; for thou art my strength. Into thine hand 
I commit my spirit : thou hast redeemed me, O 
Lord God of truth. — Ps. xxxi. 3-5. When the 
ark set forward, Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and 
let thine enemies be scattered ; and let the7n that 
hate thee flee before thee. — Numb. x. 35. 

Every one having his own particular gift, has 
also his own particular enemies, who lay various 
nets and hindrances in his way. But as every- 
body must clear the way for a king when he travels, 
much more so our enemies, when the King of kings 
guides us and goes before us. Grant, O Lord, that 
all my goings and restings may be done at thy will ! 
(Numb. iv. 17, 23). Be gloriously pleased to go 
always before me, and to make room, that mine 
enemies may be scattered, and fall into their own 
nets ; for thou, who dwellest in heaven, laughestat 
all, even mine inward spiritual enemies ; and art 
able to confound their deepest craft, and strongest 
power. Enlighten my darkness, blessed Jesus, that 
I may see my enemies distinctly ; and strengthen 
my faith in thee, that I may not fear them. Be the 
Captain of my salvation ; lead me on praying and 
believing ; and do thou fight all my battles for me. 
So shall I come off conqueror through thy love, and 
will give to thee eternal praise. 

Great God, preserve my conscience clean ; 
Wash me from guilt, subdue my sin ; 
Thy love shall guard me from surprise, 
Though threatening dangers round me rise. 

My faith would seize some promise, Lord ; 
There's power and safety in thy Word ; 
Not all that earth and hell can say, 
Shall tempt to drive my soul away. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 371 

December 18. 

And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which 
the Lord hath given you to eat. — Exod. xvi. 15. 
See also 1 Cor. x. 3, 4. 

This manna was entirely different from common 
manna, which, is shook from the leaves of trees, 
and used only in medicine ; this dropped down from 
the clouds, and was truly a miraculous production, 
as is evident from the following circumstances : that 
it fell but six days in the week ; that it fell in such 
prodigious quantity as sustained almost three mill- 
ions of souls ; that a double portion of it fell the 
day before the Sabbath, and none on that day, etc. 
This manna is called ' ' spiritual meat, ' ' because it 
signified spiritual blessings in heavenly things. 
Christ Himself is the true manna, the bread of life, 
of which that was a figure (Johnvi. 49-51). The 
Word of God is a manna too, by which our souls 
are nourished (Matt. iv. 4). The comforts of the 
Spirit are also a ''hidden manna" (Rev. ii. 17). 
These come down from heaven, as the manna did, — 
are the support and comfort of the divine life in 
the soul while we are in the wilderness of this 
world. The manna gathered in the wilderness was 
not to be hoarded up, but eaten ; so they that have 
received Christ, must live upon Him daily by faith, 
and not think of laying up a stock to-day to serve 
them to-morrow. They that did eat manna in the 
wilderness hungered again ; whereas they that feed 
on Christ by faith shall never hunger. " Lord, 
evermore give us this bread ! ' ' 

Whilst in the wilderness I stray, 

Thy manna, Eord, I need, 
And fresh bestow it every day, 

Or I shall faint indeed. 



372 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 19. 
What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy 
request ? It shall be even given thee to the half 
of the kingdom. — Esther v. 3. 

Dost thou want nothing, O poor soul ? Hast 
thou nothing to ask ? Oh ! yes, you say, a great 
deal. Well, then, draw near to thy gracious King 
and Bridegroom without fear. Lo ! He holds out 
His golden sceptre to thee, saying, Only ask ; not 
the half, but the whole of my kingdom shall be 
granted ; nay, I will give myself unto thee. O dear 
soul, pray and tell Him everything that is wanting, 
be it ever so great or ever so small ! His loving- 
kindness will hear even the least petition ; nay, He 
will seem to be ignorant of what thou dost not tell 
Him. But whatever is poured out before Him is 
actually addressed and lodged in its proper place, 
and does not lie upon thy heart any longer, but 
upon His heart, which cannot rest till you are 
relieved. And if you have experienced His help 
aforetime, in great or small things, you may depend 
on His readiness to help you out of troubles here- 
after ; only be earnest in prayer for His help. We 
often imagined we were willing and drawing near 
to Him, but He was unwilling, and refused our 
request ; but it is not so : He rather draws us, and 
desires our relief more than we do ; for it is He 
that works even this willing mind. 

Are those the happy persons here 
Who dwell the nearest to their God ? 

Has God invited sinners near, 
And Jesus bought this grace with blood ? 

Go then, my soul, address the Son 
To lead thee near the Father's face 

Gaze on His glories yet unknown, 
And taste the blessings of His grace. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 373 

December 20. 
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? — Luke 
xviii. 41. Thou shall love the Lord thy God, 
etc.— Matt. xxii. 37-39. 

O Lord, dost thou also ask me this question ? 
Oh ! yes. Well, then, I answer, That I may see 
how gracious thou art ; that, knowing thy love in 
thy light, I may love thee again. This is the sum 
and substance of all my prayer ; because thou 
requirest it so seriously of me. " If any man love 
not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema 
Maranatha " (1 Cor. xvi. 22), But thou dost not 
require it as of myself, well knowing that I can do 
nothing ; but signifieth only what I am to ask of 
thee, and what thou art willing to give and to work; 
for thou dost not require anything but what thou 
workest thyself, and workest everything that thou 
requirest ; therefore faith and love being required 
by thee, I require the same from thee first. Grant, 
oh ! grant them to me, that I may return them to 
thee again. And since nothing is pleasing to thee 
but what is thy own gift, I trust that thou wilt cer- 
tainly hear and fulfill this my request. However, 
as my salvation is not grounded on my own, but on 
thine and thy Father's love and counsel, save me 
by free grace through thy merits, and let me go on 
covered all over with grace and pardon. This is 
treasure enough, by which my heart can be well 
satisfied. 

He that can shake the worlds He made, 
Or with His word, or with His rod ; 

His goodness, how amazing great ! 
And what a condescending God ! 

Our sorrows and our tears we pour 

Into the bosom of our God ; 
He hears us in the mournful hour, 

And helps to bear the heavy load. 



374 THE GOLDKN TREASURY. 

December 21. 

In returning and rest shall ye be saved ; in quiet- 
ness and in confidence shall be your strength. — 
Isa. xxx. 15. In your patience possess ye your 
souls. — Luke xxi. 19. Take heed, and be quiet; 
fear not, neither be faint-hearted. — Isa. vii 4. 

Christians must suffer patiently, and patience 
is their armor, while God is fighting for them. But 
when we are unwilling to suffer, going about to 
make complaints everywhere, and to seek human 
comfort, or to rid ourselves, by our own contri- 
vances, we lose the comfort of the Lord's help, we 
are stirring up the wasp-nest of our unruly thoughts, 
and bring more trouble upon ourselves and others ; 
nay, we are fighting against God, who thereby in- 
tends to cure our impatience, pride and anger ; for 
the more peevish and wild we are, the more des- 
perate is our disease ; and consequently, we have 
so much more need of such sharp but wholesome 
trials of affliction to mortify these bad passions of 
the flesh. Therefore we must not presume to 
murmur or complain, which will only make bad 
worse ; for he who, through impatience, will flee 
from one trouble, may run into ten others ; and 
though it is possible sometimes to rid ourselves out 
of trouble, yet the help is not so glorious and 
blessed as if we had waited for the help of the Lord. 
Grant me to wait always on thy help ; for the 
Lord's good time will come, though He tarry long. 

Sure I must bear if I would reign ; 

Increase my courage, Lord ! 
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, 

Supported by thy Word. 

Must I be carried to the skies 

On flowery beds of ease, 
While others suffered for the prize, 

And sailed through bloody seas ? 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY, 375 

December 22. 

Whoso loveth instructioji loveth knowledge; but he 

that hateth reproof is brutish. — Prov. xii. 1. 

Nothing can be said so bad of us which we have 
not the root of in our heart ; and though we are 
convinced of and strive against our own weakness, 
yet we may not strive so earnestly as to conquer. 
Therefore God comes to our assistance in a sharp 
reproof from others ; for He knows how to use 
even the faults of others to our good. And if we 
receive everything as from Him alone, striving so 
much against this our frailty, that we may not be 
offensive to our neighbor any more, we certainly 
gain a great victory and blessing. But if we grow 
impatient and make many excuses, being unwilling 
to put up with anything, we make evil worse, and 
neglect the amendment of ourselves and others. O 
I/ord, make us better, and give us patience ! 

How should the sons of Adam's race 

Be pure before their God ! 
If He contend in righteousness, 

We fall beneath His rod. 

To vindicate my words and thoughts 

I'll make no more pretence ; 
Not one of all my thousand faults 

Can bear a just defence. 

Then seek the Lord while 3-et His ear 

Is open to your call ; 
While offered mercy still is near, 

Before His footstool fall. 

Let sinners quit their evil ways, 

Their evil thoughts forego, 
And God, when they to Him return, 

Returning grace will shew. 

He pardons with o'erflowing love ; 

For, hear the voice Divine : 
My nature is not like to yours, 

Nor like your ways are mine. 



376 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 23. 

Therefore we co?icliide, that a man is justified by 
faith without the deeds of the law. — Rom. iii. 28. 
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, 
and not by faith only. — James ii. 24. 

Both these Apostles wrote by inspiration. St. 
Paul answers this question both affirmatively and 
negatively : That a man is justified before God by 
faith, without the deeds of the law ; and in the 
20th verse positively affirms, "That by the deeds 
of the law shall no flesh be justified." St. James 
asserts, that "by works a man is justified, and not 
by faith only." St. Paul speaks of a justification 
before God : James, of a justification before men. 
St. Paul speaks of the justification of penitent sin- 
ners before God : James, of the justification of 
saints before men, St. Paul, of the justification of 
sinners believing in the righteousness of the Lord 
Jesus Christ for pardon and life : James, of the 
works of righteousness after justification by faith 
in Christ. Paul speaks of faith touching its office 
in the article of justification before God : James, of 
faith in its fruits and effects. Whenever there is a 
true faith, it must fix on Jesus Christ alone for 
salvation ; — that is its principal act. This same 
faith unites to Christ ; and where there is union, 
there must be love ; and where there is love there 
must be obedience ; and where obedience is, there 
will be a reward of grace ; and when the reward is 
acknowledged to be of grace, and not of merit, God 
will have all the glory in time and eternity. 

I,et all who hold this faith and hope 

In holy deeds abound ; 
Thus faith approves itself sincere, 

By active virtue crowned. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 377 

December 24. 

For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy 
people have found grace in thy sight ? Is it not 
in that thou goest with us f So shall we be sep- 
arated, I and thy people, from all the people that 
are upon the face of the earth. — Exod. xxxiii. 16. 

Reader, do you adopt the language of Moses, 
and request with him that, in all your removals, 
God's presence may go with you ? — that you be not 
permitted to stir without this distinguishing testi- 
mony, that you are in the path of duty ? Are you 
waiting upon the Lord, earnest to serve Him in 
sincerity and truth, — " not being conformed to this 
world, but transformed by the renewing of your 
mind," and desirous to be numbered with His 
separate people ? Then you may expect the Divine 
blessing, and your way to be prosperous. It was a 
distinguished privilege of the Israelites, that they 
were to dwell alone, and not to be reckoned among 
the nations ; and it is the privilege and duty of the 
spiritual Israel to be separate and distinct from the 
world ; they are a separate people in the love of 
God ; in their election in Christ ; in the covenant 
of grace made with them in Him ; in effectual 
vocation ; in their being seated with Him to all 
eternity. Nor are they reckoned among the nations; 
but as they are called out of them, and generally 
treated as the refuse and offscouring of all things, 
they do not reckon themselves to be of the world, 
but as pilgrims and strangers in it. Lord, let my 
lot be among thy separate people, the righteous, 
both here and for evermore ! 

Among the righteous let me dwell, 

And cast my lot with them ; 
Be dead to pleasure, dead to wealth, 

And to the world's esteem. 



378 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 25. 

And thou shall call His name Jesus ; for He shall 

save His people from their sins. — Matt. i. 21. 

Six is the deadliest foe we have ; it cast our first 
parents out of Paradise ; it defaced God's image in 
man ; it brought pain, sickness, and death into the 
world, and a spiritual death into the soul ; it causes 
a distance from God, and a dislike to His holy ways; 
it exposes body and soul to the last judgment of a 
holy God, and will sink every unpardoned offender 
into everlasting destruction. How is this deadly 
foe to be conquered ? Reader, be careful in this 
matter, and seek after a remedy that will be lasting 
and efficacious. Duties, prayers, tears, sacrifices, 
morality, and partial reformations, avail nothing in 
this case ; all below Christ Jesus will prove physi- 
cians of no value. Jesus is the only Saviour ; His 
blood is the only atonement for sin ; this sprinkled 
upon the heart by the Spirit, and apprehended by 
faith, removes the guilt and curse of sin, and speaks 
pardon and peace ; His grace breaks the power of 
sin and makes us hate it : thus is holiness secured 
in the heart and walk, as well as peace in the con- 
science. His people are all that believe in Him, 
and depend upon Him for pardon, peace, and ever- 
lasting salvation. In that happy number, reader, 
may thou and I be found ! may we be enabled to 
look to Him, to receive Him as our Lord Jesus, able 
and willing to save to the very uttermost ! And 
may we walk as the redeemed of the Lord, in 
righteousness and true holiness all the days of our 
life ! Amen. 

He died to bear the guilt of men. 

That sin might be forgiven. 
He lives to bless them and defend, 

And plead their cause in heaven. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 379 

December 26. 
Pour out your heart before God. — Ps. lxii. 8. 

What a different view does this lively text give 
of praying, when opposed to the usual expression 
of saying our prayers ', — saying what our books or 
our parents teach us. To pour out our hearts, is 
like emptying a vessel of all its contents, so that 
nothing remains ; and, oh ! what a pleasing, awful, 
important thing must this be ! Whatever is in my 
heart, my guilt or fears, my sins or sorrows, my 
cares and crosses, my wants, my dangers, my weak- 
nesses, temptations, darkness, and ignorance, my 
doubts and anxieties respecting both body and 
soul, myself and others, the Church and the world; 
every thought that arises, relating either to past, 
present, or future, — I have leave to empty myself 
of, to pour out by drops, or in a copious stream, till 
not one burden remains ; and this before God, who 
is a prayer-hearing God. He can send a Hannah 
away no longer sad, — can say, "Son or daughter, 
be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee. ' ' No 
wonder, then, that real prayer is so much unknown, 
or is such a cordial when it is made before Him 
who is a refuge for us. Away, then, for ever with 
the prayer of the formalist ; may I learn fervency 
of devotion from my heavenly Master, who, in His 
agony, prayed till drops of blood fell down ! To a 
suffering Jesus I look for pardon and cleansing. 
Oh ! let me be accepted in the Beloved, and purged 
daily from my defilements, and so become a vessel 
to honor, sanctified for the Master's use for ever. 
Amen. 

Oh ! let my earnest pray'r and cry 

Come near before thee, Lord ; 
Give understanding unto me, 

According to thy word. 



380 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 27. 

By the grace of God I am what I am. — 1 Cor. xv. 
10. Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of 
incorruptible, by the word of God. As new-born 
babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye 
may grow thereby. — 1 Peter i. 23, and ii. 2. 

What made the wonderful difference between 
Saul the Pharisee, and Paul the Christian ? — 
Grace. What made him trample upon his former 
legal righteousness, and desire to be found in the 
righteousness of Christ? — Grace, enlightening grace. 
Wherein consists the difference between the mere 
moralist and the real Christian ? There may be a 
moral conduct where there is no grace — no principle 
of saving divine faith ; there may be the fear of 
the Lord, taught by the precept of men, and not 
by the Spirit of God. One may attend the ordi- 
nances of religion ; have a regard to outward 
decency ; may have a name to live, while dead ; 
be high in profession, and, at the same time, a 
stranger to the power of godliness. Have I this 
principle, called Grace, in my soul ? Have I been 
born of the incorruptible seed ? Have I tasted that 
the Lord is gracious ? Then shall I desire the sin- 
cere milk of the word ; and thence will draw com- 
fort and nourishment for my soul. Redeeming 
love shall be my delightful subject ; it will sweeten 
everything in the service of Jesus, will constrain to 
extensive usefulness in my track of life ; the grace 
of God in Christ Jesus will enlarge my views, keep 
me humble in heart, and give the praise where 
alone it is due. Through the sincere milk of the 
Word, may I grow daily, and be nourished up to 
eternal life ! 

Whate'er I am, I am by grace ; 
And unto God be all the praise ! 
Grace turns the water into wine, 
And makes the human heart divine. 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 381 

December 28. 

We must all appear before the judgment-seat of 
Christ. — 2 Cor. v. 10. 

And are there scoffers, who madly question the 
coming of the Lord? The hour hastens when in- 
fidelity shall doubt no more (1 Thes. iv. 16). How 
will sinners fade away when, visible to all, the 
Judge shall appear on His great white throne ? 
Before Him shall stand the whole race of men, 
small and great ; and by the testimony of God and 
their own consciences, it shall be fully proved and 
openly declared, what they have been, and what 
they have done. Then sentence, most righteous, 
irrevocable, and big with eternity, shall be pro- 
nounced. On the wicked everlasting punishment ; 
on the righteous, life eternal ! Oh ! think what 
destruction is hanging over your heads, ye obsti- 
nate transgressors ; for, "Behold, He cometh with 
clouds, and every eye shall see Him ; they also 
which pierced Him, and all the wicked kindreds 
of the earth shall wail because of Him. Now is 
the accepted time, — the day of salvation;" now 
embrace Him, as your offered, your all-sufficient 
Saviour ; so shall you be for ever delivered from 
Him as your angry Judge. If this you neglect, 
how shall you abide the day of His coming in 
flaming fire? Lift up thy head, my soul, none else 
is Judge but Christ ! Will He, who bore my sins, 
plead against me in judgment ? No ; I know in 
whom I have believed ; and that He is able to keep 
that good thing, my soul, which I have committed 
to Him, against that day. 

An awful day is drawing near, 

When Christ will judge the quick and dead ! 
Ah ! sinner, how wilt thou appear, 

With all thy sins upon thy head ! 
Now mercy seek which may be found ; 
For yet you stand on praying ground. 



382 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 29. 
We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every 
one members one of another. — Rom. xii. 5. But 
now are they many members, yet but one body. 
And now ye are the body of Christ, and members 
in particular. — 1 Cor. xii. 20, 27. Behold, how 
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity ! — Ps. cxxxiii. 1. 

Oh ! the blessed communion of saints ; one mem- 
ber has the benefit of all the other members' gifts, 
prayers, and ministrations. One prays for all, and 
all pray for one. What one has, the other enjoys 
also. It ma}- be truly said of them, All is yours. 
There is no envy, no haughtiness, no strife or harm 
among real saints ; for why should I envy that 
which is my own ? Why should I despise that 
which serves for my necessary assistance ? — and 
wh}- should I strive against and hurt him whose 
hurt is my own ? Is there any strife between the 
members of our natural body ? By no means ; 
they all serve, help, and assist one another ; and 
if one be injured and suffers, all the rest run to its 
relief, and are neither tired nor angry, if the heal- 
ing does not follow immediately. O Lord, unite us 
all in hearty fellowship and tender feelings for each 
other ; and stop all open and subtile divisions which 
are fermented by lofty spirits, who always boast of 
mighty things, and to be wise above the rest. 
Suffer not a self-conceited and a party spirit, which 
is the spirit of the world, to influence the members 
of thy body ; but bless and grace them all with 
true humility ; then we shall live in a solid union 
and uninterrupted harmony. 

Oh ! glorious portion of the saints ! 
Let love suppress our sore complaints, 
And tune our hearts and tongues to sing, 
"All glory to our Sovereign King !" 



THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 383 

December 30. 
Ye are the epistle of Christ \ etc. — 2 Cor. iii. 3. 

The image is beautiful and instructing: — "The 
epistle of Christ, written, not in tables of stone," 
— not on a stony heart, but on a heart of flesh ; a 
heart softened by grace, and made capable of good 
impressions ; the heart, the seat of vital religion. 
So runs the gracious promise (Jer. xxxi. 33). The 
Word read and preached is not effectual without 
the operation of the Spirit of God. By the Spirit, 
Christians are cast into the Gospel mould ; thereby 
get evangelical, spiritual, and heavenly disposi- 
tions ; their resemblance to Christ is gradually in- 
creased ; they have the witness in themselves — have 
the comfortable experience that they are Christ's, 
when they can read His image on their hearts. 
They are manifestly declared to others, that they 
are the epistle of Christ, by their good conversation 
and conduct in the world, confessing Him before 
men, and speaking forth His praise. " Holiness to 
the Lord ' ' is written with lovely characters on this 
epistle. Am I the epistle of Christ ? Do I read the 
epistles of Christ in my Bible ; and find them 
written on my heart ? Do I read the mind of God 
there, and heartily approve of His mind ? Oh ! 
blessed discovery ! What condescending grace ! 
The great God, by His Spirit, to dictate epistles so 
loving and kind ! the great God, whom I have 
offended, to send me a pardon, not only in His 
Word, but by His Son also. I would read this 
epistle from heaven over and over again. Oh ! 
how much do I find in it, while the Spirit opens 
my understanding to understand the Scriptures ! 

I^ord, write thy law upon my heart, 

For thine epistle I would be ; 
But write it well on every part, 

And make me all resemble thee. 



384 THE GOLDEN TREASURY. 

December 31. 
ALLELUIA.— Rev. xix. 1. 

Thou began the year, O my soul, with a Hosan- 
nah, imploring the Lord's blessing, canst thou now 
conclude it with an Alleluia ? Surely thou canst 
celebrate the praise of a gracious and loving God. 
Take a review of the past year ; hast thou not had 
many mercies ? Have not the eyes of the Lord 
been upon thee for good ? Hath He not conducted 
thee through many dangers ? Canst thou not, with 
truth as well as gratitude, set up thine Ebenezer, 
saying, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped me!" 
(1 Sam. vii. 12). If thou hast not been fruitful in 
good works, is thy Lord to blame or thyself? What- 
ever good has been done in thee or by thee, surely 
belongs to the favor of God ; and whatever has 
caused shame or humiliation is nowhere chargeable 
but upon thyself. "Praise the Lord, then, O my 
soul, and all that is within me praise His holy 
name; forget not all His benefits" CPs. ciii. 2-4). 
Thou wilt soon, O my soul, enter upon another 
year : let dear-bought experience teach thee to 
avoid all occasions of evil, and keep thee close to 
thy God. If thou livest to see another day, set 
out afresh, and remember to offer thy daily sacrifice 
of obedience as well as of praise to thy gracious 
God. Let every revolving day remind thee of thy 
approaching last day, and daily be thou preparing 
to meet thy God, that so when thy days are ended, 
thou may est sing Alleluias before the throne of God 
and the Lamb for ever and ever. 

'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last. 

Whose spirit shall guide us safe home ; 
We'll praise Him for all that is past, 

And trust Him for all that's to come. 



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